March 19, 2025 — WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Chertoff Group, working with a team led by TransSolutions, has completed a comprehensive security compliance study for the National Safe Skies Alliance, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to serving U.S. airports. The findings offer airports actionable insights to enhance security compliance practices across airport operations.
Spanning airports of all sizes, the Program for Applied Research in Airport Security (PARAS) Report 0054 underscores the importance of a balanced approach that safeguards security without hindering operations. By clearly defining rules and consequences, proactively preventing violations and continuously auditing compliance, the report offers strategies that both strengthen security and streamline daily airport functions.
Lee Kair, Chertoff Group principal and head of Transportation & Innovation said, “These strategies provide airports with practical methods to enhance security compliance through collaboration, while supporting broader operational objectives. Airports can create a more secure and efficient operating environment that benefits all stakeholders in the airport community.”
Building on extensive research and airport interviews, the report identifies several critical factors essential to robust airport security. By breaking down the root causes of common security violations and proposing scalable, cost-effective solutions, the study underscores how airports can raise compliance standards without creating undue operational burdens.
- Fair Enforcement Protocols – Consistently applied regulations and penalties, paired with transparent disciplinary measures, foster a culture of shared responsibility and trust among all airport stakeholders.
- Targeted, Recurrent Training – Ongoing education programs, along with regular refresher sessions and knowledge checks, help airport personnel stay vigilant and committed to high security standards.
- Proactive Identification of Vulnerabilities – Regular audits, data tracking and root cause analysis reveal hidden gaps—such as unauthorized entry, unresolved alarms or improper badge use—enabling timely corrective actions.
- Scalable Solutions for Varying Airport Sizes – Whether an airport serves five million or fifty million passengers annually, the recommendations can be tailored to fit different budgets and operational complexities.
When implemented effectively, these strategies can reduce incidents, lower the administrative burden of responding to violations and strengthen stakeholder relationships across the airport community. Ultimately, the result is more efficient security operations and a robust, resilient culture of compliance.
The report was completed with additional expertise provided by Michele Freadman of M. Freadman Consulting, LLC and Kim Dickie of KPD Consulting, LLC, under the leadership of Scott Houston, who served as principal investigator for the study.
About The Chertoff Group
The Chertoff Group is a global leader in security. Our team of recognized experts helps organizations to manage cyber, physical, regulatory and geopolitical risks. Through our business development practice, we enable our clients to gain competitive advantage and accelerate growth. Our private equity business focuses on investments in companies in the defense technology, government services and cybersecurity sectors. Together we enable a more secure world. Learn more at Chertoffgroup.com and follow The Chertoff Group on LinkedIn.
The Program for Applied Research in Airport Security (PARAS) is an industry-driven, program that develops near-term practical solutions to security problems faced by airport operators. This report is PARAS 0054.
