Hanwha's AI-Powered Video Is Far More Than A Surveillance Tool
There are headwinds for airport operators that they must navigate as critical infrastructure such as airports becomes a target for malicious actors - insiders, cyber-attackers, terrorist groups, and drone pilots.
As millions of people jet off for their summer holidays or make their way home, airports are under increased scrutiny - their eagerly awaited trip begins and ends at the airport. Meeting passenger expectations with a seamless and secure journey from check-in to boarding is critical at a time when passenger numbers are rising, with almost 1.1 billion air passengers traveling through EU airports in 2025 - an increase of 4.8% year-on-year.
But the headwinds that airport operators face nowadays must be fought with the best that technology has to offer. Misuse of drone technology threatens the perimeter; intruders may attempt to gain access to restricted areas; missing people, left luggage, theft, vandalism, and anti-social behavior are other challenges to which teams have to respond. In Europe, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is adding pressure to border processing and queue management, while airports are under pressure to increase capacity to meet future demand.
Profitability and growth are other areas feeling the strain. European airports achieved a net profit of €11.8 billion in 2025, averaging just €4.5 per passenger. Airport management is being tasked with finding new efficiencies, diversifying income, attracting repeat passengers, and driving more non-aeronautical revenue through retail, hospitality, car parking, and advertising.
All of these challenges are interconnected: accommodating more passengers, strengthening security and resilience in line with national aviation authority requirements, and delivering a seamless experience all require airport teams to understand what is happening across the site in real time. Modern AI-powered video solutions provide that much-needed visibility, helping operators to secure airports while improving daily operations and boosting the passenger experience.
Traditionally, cameras have been used at airports to monitor sites, record incidents, and provide evidence after an event has occurred. AI-powered video changes this, enabling security teams to take a more proactive approach to securing airport sites, assets, and passengers, while also delivering insights to inform strategy and improve the passenger experience.
As for security, comprehensive oversight of all areas, supported by continuous monitoring and automatic alerts for objects or events of interest, is critical. Rather than relying solely on human operators to monitor numerous screens, AI video surveillance highlights the most critical events requiring human input.
AI-powered video can also detect unusual behavior such as loitering, people or vehicles in unexpected locations or outside of opening hours, and stopped vehicles. In cargo and back-of-house environments, video analytics can identify events such as slips and falls and alert ground teams to respond.
But AI-powered video is far more than a surveillance tool. It can support the wider business of running a safe, efficient and resilient airport, from managing passenger flows and protecting staff to responding to incidents and improving operational efficiency. As airports become more digitally connected, video can also work alongside other smart-airport technologies, from biometric boarding to automated baggage handling. Barcode-reading cameras, for example, can connect baggage and cargo identification data with video footage.
Meeting the needs and expectations of the modern traveler will require intelligent systems that give airport teams the information they need to respond in real time, so passengers can get on with what they came to the airport for: starting their journey. Integrating AI-powered video can create a more connected view across IT, physical security and operations, helping teams to share information and make faster, better-informed decisions.
