PREVENTION OF TERRORIST ATTACKS ON CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ON THE EXAMPLE OF AN AIRPORT

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the state's critical infrastructure protection system using an airport as an example. Identifying potential weaknesses and suggesting improvements is a key part of this assessment. Selected research is presented to highlight the need to protect airports from terrorist threats and to illustrate the importance of inter-agency cooperation, resource allocation and advanced security measures in enhancing national security. Design/methodology/approach: The research combines theoretical analysis and empirical investigation. Theoretical methods include a review of the literature and legal frameworks concerning critical infrastructure protection. Empirical research involves a diagnostic survey conducted through structured interviews with experts in national security and airport operations and survey technique using survey questionnaire tool. The data collected were analyzed qualitatively to synthesize key findings and recommendations. Findings: The study reveals that while significant efforts have been made in securing airports, vulnerabilities remain due to accessibility and operational complexity. The findings highlight critical issues such as insufficient inter-agency coordination, inadequate allocation of resources, and the need for better threat anticipation capabilities. Recommendations are provided to address these gaps and improve the overall resilience of airports against terrorist attacks. Research limitations/implications: The primary limitation of the research is the focus on airports as a specific type of critical infrastructure, which may limit the applicability of findings to other sectors. Additionally, reliance on expert opinions may introduce subjective bias. Future research could expand the scope to include other critical infrastructure types and incorporate quantitative data for broader validation. Practical implications: The research offers practical guidelines for policymakers and airport operators to enhance the security of critical infrastructure. By implementing the proposed measures, such as advanced surveillance technologies and improved inter-agency coordination, airports can reduce their vulnerability to terrorist attacks. The paper also has implications for the development of standardized protocols in critical infrastructure protection. Social implications: The findings have significant social implications by contributing to public safety and national security. Improved airport security can increase public confidence in the safety of transportation infrastructure, reduce the societal impact of potential terrorist attacks, and foster trust in government measures aimed at protecting citizens. Originality/value: The originality of the paper lies in its comprehensive approach to evaluating airport security as part of critical infrastructure protection. By combining theoretical insights with empirical data from expert interviews, the paper provides a valuable resource for academics, policymakers, and security professionals interested in enhancing national security frameworks.