Airlines, airports increasing spending on cybersecurity

Airlines and airports are increasing investment in cybersecurity, biometrics, and sustainable IT solutions. 74 per cent of airlines and 72 per cent of airports forecast an increase in overall IT spending over the next two years.

According to the SITA's 2024 Air Transport IT Insights report these investments show how the aviation industry is working toward a future of safer, smoother, and more sustainable air travel. 

In 2024, the industry's overall IT spending increased and was estimated to reach $37 billion for airlines, and almost $9 billion for airports, according to the report.

David Lavorel, CEO of SITA, said: "This year's findings highlight a pivotal moment for the aviation industry. As cyber threats become more complex, airlines and airports are taking decisive action to protect their operations and passengers. At the same time, biometrics and AI tech are simplifying the travel experience, helping the industry meet growing demand, and build resilience for the future. It’s clear that the air transport industry is going through a transformation, and these numbers prove it.”

One clear area of focus for the industry is cybersecurity. The report reveals that 66 per cent of airlines and 73 per cent of airports mention cybersecurity as one of their top three areas of focus. This confirms how important it’s becoming to protect critical systems and passenger data as cyber threats get more advanced.

About half of airlines and three-quarters of airports are starting their digital transformation by upgrading IT infrastructure, moving to the cloud, and safeguarding data. Meanwhile, biometrics and AI are enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency making it the natural next step.

Biometric technology continues to transform passenger processing. Over half of airports plan to roll out biometrics for check-in and bag drop by 2026. 70 per cent of airlines expect to adopt biometric ID management systems in the same timeframe.

These solutions will reduce congestion by speeding up passenger processing by up to 30 per cent, reduce wait times by up to 60 per cent, and help make travel smooth and hassle-free.

At the same time, data-driven solutions are transforming how the industry operates. Airlines are using generative AI, large language models, and machine learning to improve flight operations, customer service, and fuel efficiency.

Airports are focusing on data platforms and predictive analytics to make real-time decisions and manage passenger flow more effectively. Interestingly, 90 per cent of airlines have already adopted data platforms, and 42 per cent are exploring ways to organize their data for AI projects.