Optimized Airport Security Infrastructure System (OASIS)

It has been suggested that the current security measures being implemented in airports around the country produce "soft targets" in the form of lengthy queues. These soft targets heighten the risk of a terrorist attack within airport premises that could potentially have the same impact as destroying a commercial flight. Using Washington Dulles International Airport as a case study, this study examines the security measures being implemented in the airport and designs a methodology that will result in improved allocation and usage of security resources. Two alternatives are designed that make use of layered, defense-in-depth security measures that aim to deter terrorist attacks by using the concept of unpredictability. Models of these alternatives are built and the best alternative is selected by analyzing simulation outputs and evaluating them based on a value function. At the end of the study, an Optimized Airport Security Infrastructure System (OASIS) that will provide a more efficient and reliable method for screening passengers and their luggage is proposed.