A Study on Prohibited Items at Airport Screening Checkpoints: Examining the Relationship with Passenger Volume and Its Economic Impact

Abstract

Evolving aviation threats and methods of attack have led to an increase in both the variety and number of prohibited items detected at airport screening checkpoints. While security measures are essential for safeguarding passengers and infrastructure, procedures such as manual bag searches require additional resources, increase operational costs, and may disrupt efficiency. Despite ongoing efforts by security authorities to improve screening processes and enhance public awareness, a substantial number of prohibited items continue to be intercepted. This trend may be driven by growing air traffic volumes, but it may also reflect limitations in current public outreach campaigns and operational strategies. This study employs statistical analysis to examine the relationship between passenger volume and the number of confiscated items, using historical data from the United States and the Republic of Korea. The results reveal a strong positive correlation between passenger volume and the number of confiscated items, with the average cost of a manual bag search—when the selected bag contains prohibited items—estimated at $1.58 per bag search, based solely on time-related losses. These findings show the part of the operational and economic loss posed by prohibited items. As global air travel expands, it is crucial to incorporate multiple perspectives into aviation security policies to maintain safety and efficiency, especially by considering sustainability as essential for reducing aviation’s environmental footprint and supporting the industry's long-term viability. Such integration supports long-term resource management and strengthens overall security resilience.