Rising threats, emerging solutions in air cargo security

Each year, over 62 million metric tons of cargo—representing 33% of global trade by value, according to IATA—are transported by air, highlighting the increasing importance of robust cargo security measures. In 2024 cargo theft and tampering attempts increased to 27% from 2023, the stakes for cross-border air freight security have never been higher. While security has long been a cornerstone of the air cargo industry, the digital transition across many industries has introduced new vulnerabilities, expanding the focus from physical screening to include cyberthreats. From ransomware attacks to GNSS jamming and spoofing, the air cargo supply chain faces an increasingly complex threat. In this article, we explore the latest security threats, notable incidents over the past year; impacts on carriers, shippers, and insurers; and emerging technologies and regulatory responses designed to safeguard global air freight. Major security incidents The past year has seen a series of high-profile incidents that underscore the growing threat to air cargo security. Arguably the most significant since the 2010 Yemen bomb plot occurred in July 2024, when improvised incendiary devices (IIDs) were concealed within parcels shipped across Europe . Several of these parcels caught fire at logistics facilities and on the tarmac prior to aircraft loading, causing localized damage but fortunately no fatalities or aircraft damage. The IIDs were specifically designed to bypass existing security controls, highlighting vulnerabilities in the cargo supply chain, and were later reported to the International Civil Aviation Organization as an act of unlawful interference. Beyond Europe, intelligence-linked sabotage has emerged as a related threat. Authorities in the United Kingdom, Lithuania and Latvia detained multiple individuals suspected of conducting arson attacks and espionage on behalf of Russian military intelligence, with parcel fires in Poland, Germany and the U.K. in late 2024 suspected as dry runs for sabotaging trans-Atlantic flights. In September, the Collins Aerospace MUSE system — critical for passenger check-in and baggage processing and by extension air cargo carried in passenger aircraft bellies — was targeted by a ransomware attack. The resulting operational delays across Europe particularly affected smaller carriers lacking robust backup systems, demonstrating how cyber incidents can indirectly disrupt cargo operations. The ramifications of such disruptions are stark. In early 2022 , Expeditors International experienced a ransomware attack that crippled internal operations and caused shipment delays, while in 2023, hackers targeted Seattle-Tacoma Airport, demanding $6 million for stolen documents — a breach that exposed the fragility of airport systems and reignited discussions on strengthening cybersecurity in critical logistics hubs. Experts caution that these events are just the tip of the iceberg. The cargo IT landscape — a complex network of booking software, warehouse management tools, barcode scanners and transport APIs — often relies on outdated technology with minimal security oversight, meaning that the compromise of a single vendor can halt operations across an entire supply chain. Traditional cargo theft remains a persistent concern. In April 2023, over CA$20 million ($14.3 million) in gold and foreign currency was stolen from a container at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) , marking Canada’s largest gold heist and the sixth-largest globally . Across North America and Mexico, airport staging areas and consolidated cargo hubs such as Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU) have attracted organized crime, particularly for electronics, pharmaceuticals and luxury goods, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance and layered security measures in the air cargo sector. Impacts on carriers, shippers, insurance The growing frequency and sophistication of air cargo security incidents have had wide-ranging impacts on carriers, shippers and insurers. From a financial perspective, the rise in cargo theft and cyberattacks has prompted insurers to reassess risk models. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported a 27% increase in cargo theft incidents from 2023 to 2024, with estimated losses exceeding $454 million. As a result, underwriters are imposing stricter controls and higher premiums, particularly for high-value shipments and in regions with elevated risk profiles. Beyond insurance, frequent security breaches are eroding trust among shippers and consumers. For example, the operational delays caused by the September 2025 Collins Aerospace ransomware attack required manual check-in procedures and disrupted cargo movement in passenger aircraft bellies, leading to significant customer dissatisfaction and reputational impact for affected carriers. Operational and regulatory challenges are also intensifying. In the United States, TSA has mandated 100% cargo screening and stricter background checks for personnel, accompanied by new chain-of-custody documentation standards, more frequent audits and higher penalties for non-compliance. The Enhanced ACAS Security Filing administered through the National Targeting Center , provides additional data to better identify supply chain parties before cargo is loaded on U.S.-bound aircraft. In Canada, Transport Canada ’s 90-Day Established Business Relationship rule, effective September 2024, requires shippers from certain countries to demonstrate a verified 90-day transactional history with freight forwarders or known agents before their shipments are accepted. Globally, the air cargo security screening market is expanding rapidly in response to regulatory pressures and the sector’s growth. It estimated value in 202 was $2.8 billion and is projected to reach between $4.1 billion and $4.8 billion by 2032. Major infrastructure projects, such as China’s plan for 14 new dedicated cargo airports by 2026 and India’s domestic manufacturing incentives for screening systems, are further driving investment in integrated security solutions. Collectively, these developments underscore the increasing cost, complexity and operational oversight required to maintain trust and secure the global air cargo supply chain. Emerging technologies, strategies To combat the evolving threats facing air cargo, the industry is increasingly turning to advanced technologies that enhance both physical and digital security. Real-time monitoring and the Internet of Things (IoT) are enabling cargo tracking, environmental monitoring and instant security alerts, providing greater visibility across supply chains. Blockchain technology is also being deployed to ensure data integrity, creating tamper-proof records that enhance transparency and trust among carriers, shippers and regulators. AI is emerging as a particularly powerful tool. Cathay Cargo Terminal in Hong Kong has become the first air cargo terminal to integrate AI with its CCTV infrastructure , leveraging computer vision and algorithms to monitor for safety and security hazards in real time — from unattended shipments at truck docks to intrusions or unsafe equipment operation. AI is also being applied to X-ray and thermal imaging systems, augmenting lithium screening programs and improving cargo inspection efficiency. Industrywide programs also are supporting safer operations. IATA’s Air Cargo Device Assessment validates tracking devices, data loggers and sensor-equipped devices for compliance with rigorous standards, streamlining approval for manufacturers, simplifying internal airline processes and enhancing shipment integrity for shippers and forwarders. In parallel, breakthroughs such as Eurosky ’s Multi-Energy X-ray technology, which achieves 98.7% material discrimination accuracy, promise to replace a significant portion of conventional X-ray units, boosting detection capabilities. Physical security measures remain vital: tamper-evident seals, secure loading procedures and enhanced facility access protocols provide visible deterrents and evidence of interference. Large airports and carriers, including Miami International, FedEx and UPS , are establishing dedicated cybersecurity teams, conducting regular penetration testing and investing heavily in encryption technologies to safeguard both operational and transactional systems. However, smaller regional handlers often lag due to limited financial and IT resources, creating potential entry points for attackers that could compromise larger networks via mid-tier carriers. Collectively, these emerging technologies and security practices are shaping a more resilient air cargo ecosystem capable of addressing both traditional and cyber threats while maintaining operational efficiency. Conclusion As air cargo continues to grow in scale and complexity, the security landscape is evolving to meet an increasingly diverse set of threats. Physical theft, sabotage and cyberattacks are no longer isolated risks; they are interconnected challenges that can disrupt global supply chains, erode trust and increase costs for carriers, shippers and insurers alike. Regulatory frameworks and compliance measures, from enhanced TSA and Transport Canada screening rules to IATA’s PLACI and device assessment programs, are raising standards and improving transparency across the industry. At the same time, emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain and advanced X-ray systems are enabling real-time monitoring, predictive threat detection and tamper-proof tracking, strengthening operational resilience while safeguarding shipments. For stakeholders across the supply chain, investing in these technologies, maintaining robust cybersecurity practices and adhering to evolving regulatory requirements will be essential to mitigating risk, maintaining customer trust and ensuring that air cargo remains a secure and reliable cornerstone of global trade. Editor’s note: All amounts have been converted to U.S. dollars.

Rising threats, emerging solutions in air cargo security

IBS Software launches AI agents

7Air CEO Mendez joins Cargo Facts Symposium 2025

Related Posts

Routes, risk and resilience: The transformation of global freight

Middle East conflict disrupts global airfreight networks

Why Amazon Air no longer needs to fly everywhere

7Air CEO Mendez joins Cargo Facts Symposium 2025

Cargo Facts Free Newsletters

Cargo Facts Connect Podcast

Follow Us

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password