- Summary
- Table Of Content
- Methodology
Air Cargo Security Screening Market Size:
Air Cargo Security Screening Market size is estimated to reach over USD 4,110.33 Million by 2032 from a value of USD 2,836.29 Million in 2024 and is projected to grow by USD 2,918.26 Million in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2025 to 2032.
Air Cargo Security Screening Market Scope & Overview:
Air cargo screening is a security process of analyzing the substances of a cargo before it is taken onboard a plane, to ensure it is compliant with security and safety regulations. Further, air cargo screening process includes various methods such as metal detection, dual-view X-ray, FREDD (free-running explosive detection dogs or as sniffers), EDS (explosive detection system), ETD (explosive trace detection equipment), and others. In addition, air cargo security screening is an approach which is used in maintaining security in aircraft through technical and physical scanning of goods.
Air Cargo Security Screening Market Dynamics - (DRO) :
Key Drivers:
Rising air transport is further driving the air cargo security screening market growth
There is an increasing trend towards air transportation due to various factors such as high speed, increased convenience for longer distances, and time-saving ability. Further, air transport is usually preferred for international travelling across globe. Moreover, as there is rise in air transport, the demand for air cargo security has also grown up for ensuring safety of passengers and cargo. Additionally, 35 percent of global trade by value is traded globally through air transport, which in turn drives the utilization of air cargo security in national and international airport.
- For instance, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), total air traffic increased by 36.9% in 2023 in comparison to 2022. This is further increasing the adoption of air cargo security screening systems for improved safety and security.
Thus, the rising air transport due to increased convenience is driving the air cargo security screening market size.
Key Restraints:
Factors including high installation cost, maintenance costs, and others are restraining the air cargo security screening market growth
The primary limitations associated with air cargo security system includes high installation cost and maintenance cost. Moreover, setting up a cargo screening security system costs significant investment due to various equipment including metal detection, dual view X-ray, explosive trace detection equipment, explosive detection system, and others.
Further, the rising concerns associated with false alarms in aircrafts and airport screening process degrades the overall passenger experience. Thus, the above factors are constraining the air cargo security screening market expansion.
Future Opportunities :
Rising adoption of advanced security screening solutions are expected to drive the air cargo security screening market opportunities
The rising security concerns in detecting incident and resolving takes more time due to which advanced technologies including AI-powered surveillance, drone detection, real-time data sharing, and others are integrated into security screening. Further, AI integrated security solution helps to monitor large crowds, detect suspicious malpractices, and flag possible security issues for identifying and instantly addressing the threats. Additionally, real time image detection enhances passenger experience in screening lanes.
- For instance, in January 2025, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) collaborated with Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) for developing advanced screening solutions with integrating HD-AIT (High Definition-Advanced Imaging Technology).
Thus, as per the air cargo security screening market analysis, rising advancements in screening solutions are driving the global air cargo security screening market opportunities.
Air Cargo Security Screening Market Segmental Analysis :
By Screening Type:
Based on the screening type, the market is segmented into dual-view X-ray, ETD (Explosive Trace Detection Equipment), FREDD (Free-Running Explosive Detection Dogs), metal detection, and others.
Trends in the Screening Type:
- There is an increasing trend towards adoption of dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers, German Wirehaired Pointers, Vizslas and Golden Retrievers in airports for detecting explosives.
- Increasing utilization of walk-through metal detectors in airports for efficiently screening large group of people.
Dual-view X-ray segment accounted for the largest revenue of 30.14% in the total air cargo security screening market in 2024
- Dual-view X-ray screening has two X-ray generators for providing security screening by scanning the object from 2 views.
- Further, dual view X-ray allows full inspection of packed cargo containers without physical contact or extensive manual searches, which significantly reduces time.
- Additionally, the x-ray produces high resolution 3D images for deeper and quicker baggage assessment for streamlining the screening process in airport.
- For instance, Smiths Detection offers dual view X-ray inspection equipment in its product offerings. It offers various benefits such as high-quality dual-view images, improved reliability, flexible design for easier installation, and others.
- Thus, according to the analysis, the rising adoption of dual view X-ray inspection system for inspecting baggage are driving the air cargo security screening market trends.
ETD (Explosive Trace Detection equipment) is anticipated to register a significant CAGR growth during the forecast period.
- Explosive trace detection systems is used for tracking non-visible amount of particles and explosive materials in cargo, individual and individual’s baggage.
- Further, explosive trace detection allows in detecting explosives of small magnitude in real time detection for performing rapid clear down.
- Additionally, ETD (Explosive Trace Detection) helps in detecting bombs, narcotic substances, drugs, and deadly explosive chemicals such as ammonium nitrate, nitro-glycerine, and RDX.
- For instance, in November 2024, OSI Systems, Inc. acquired Morpho global explosive trace detection (ETD) business from Smiths Group plc for USD 75.5 Million.
- Thus, the rising investments and collaborations in explosive trace detection systems are driving the air cargo security screening market trends.
By Cargo Type:
Based on cargo type, the market is segmented into general cargo, special cargo, live animals, perishable cargo, temperature controlled cargo, and others.
Trends in the Cargo Type:
- There is an increasing trend towards utilization of security screening while offloading and uploading perishable goods.
- Rising adoption of advanced security screening solutions for temperature controlled cargo throughout the supply chain.
General cargo accounted for the largest revenue share in the total air cargo security screening market share in 2024.
- General cargo refers to the cargo which includes wide range of general items such as clothes, agricultural products, electronics, furniture, machinery, construction materials, and others.
- Further, generalized cargo shipping is low cost shipping compared to other types of cargo and it allows businesses to ship a wide variety of good without using different intermediary companies.
- Additionally, it offers various benefits such as ease of maintenance and tracking due to standardized shipping containers and screening process in airport for maintaining safety and security.
- For instance, Cargo Shipping International offers general cargo shipping in its product offerings. In its general cargo shipping, a variety of non-bulk cargo transportation is provided.
- Thus, the rising adoption of general cargo are driving the air cargo security screening market size.
Special cargo segment is anticipated to register a substantial CAGR growth during the forecast period.
- Special cargo refers to the goods which requires specific labelling, documentation, packaging, and handling through the transport chain.
- Further, the transportation of specialized cargo follows specific regulations for handling specific kind of cargo, which includes perishable, wet, dangerous goods, and other types of cargo.
- For instance, DHL offers special cargo transportation services in its service offerings. It offers various services including labelling, documentation, special packaging, handling, and others.
- Thus, the rising shipments of specialised cargo for temperature and time sensitive goods are driving the air cargo security screening market.
By Aircraft:
Based on the aircraft, the market is segmented into passenger aircraft and combi aircraft.
Trends in the Aircraft:
- Rising utilization of passenger aircraft due to prevalence of higher range of individuals with disposable income opting for air travel for both leisure and business purposes.
- Increasing adoption of combi aircraft by commercial aviation for carrying cargo and passengers based on the requirement.
Passenger aircraft segment accounted for the largest share in the total air cargo security screening market share in 2024.
- Passenger aircraft refers to a civil aircraft which is used for transporting individuals and their luggage. Passenger aircraft is divided into midsize jets, light jets and ultra-long range jets.
- Moreover, passenger aircraft offers various benefits including mass transportation across domestic and international routes.
- Additionally, passenger aircraft is widely used by commercial airline for domestic and international travel.
- For instance, in December 2024, Air Canada has ordered 5 A220-300s for new and existing routes for carrying passengers and providing comfort.
- Hence, the rising adoption of passenger aircraft is driving the air cargo security screening market.
Combi aircraft is anticipated to register a substantial CAGR growth during the forecast period.
- Combi aircraft refers to aircraft designed for carrying both passenger and cargo on the same deck, by having a movable partition that allows cargo in one section and passengers in another.
- Further it offers various benefits such as maximizing operational flexibility by enabling passenger and freight travel in a single flight.
- For instance, in July 2024, Textron Aviation launched Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine utility turboprop which is equipped with combi interior conversion option for combination services of either passenger or cargo.
- Thus, according to the analysis, the rising adoption of combi aircraft for carrying either passenger or providing freight services are driving the air cargo security screening market.
Regional Analysis:
The regions covered are North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.
Asia Pacific region was valued at USD 718.58 Million in 2024. Moreover, it is projected to grow by USD 741.21 Million in 2025 and reach over USD 1,072.80 Million by 2032. Out of this, China accounted for the maximum revenue share of 33.6%. As per the air cargo security screening market analysis, there is an increasing adoption of screening systems, particularly in countries such as China, India, and Japan, due to stringent government regulations for screening passengers and cargo. The rapid development and growing investments in aviation industry are accelerating the air cargo security screening market expansion.
- For instance, according to Press Information Bureau, in India the total number of operational airports increased from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024. This is further increasing the adoption of air cargo security screening system within airports, which in turn is driving the market in Asia-Pacific region.
North America is estimated to reach over USD 1,454.65 Million by 2032 from a value of USD 1,004.00 Million in 2024 and is projected to grow by USD 1,033.00 Million in 2025.
In North America, the growth of air cargo security screening industry is driven by the rising logistics due to industrialization and manufacturing. Rising adoption of cargo security screening in modern airport infrastructure are also driving the market growth. Further, the increasing amount of air cargo is driving the adoption of more advanced security solutions and are massively contributing to growth in air cargo security screening market demand.
- For instance, according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics, there was an increase of 5.37 percent in domestic freight transport through air. This is further expected to driving the market in North America during the forecast period.
The regional analysis depicts that the rising investments and stringent government regulations are increasing the adoption of advanced security solutions within airports, which in turn driving the air cargo security screening market demand in Europe. Further, as per the market analysis, the primary factor driving the market in the Middle East and African region includes increasing investment in modern and secure air transport infrastructure with improved detection of explosives. The rising demand for advanced screening systems in modern airport for improving safety and security of passenger and cargo are driving the market demand in the Latin America region.
Top Key Players and Market Share Insights:
The air cargo security screening market is highly competitive with major players providing services to the national and international markets. Key players are adopting several strategies in research and development (R&D), product innovation, and end-user launches to hold a strong position in the global air cargo security screening market. Key players in the air cargo security screening industry include -
- 3DX-RAY (UK)
- Nuctech Company Limited (China)
- Astrophysics Inc. (US)
- Autoclear (US)
- L3Harris Technologies Inc. (US)
- Leidos (US)
- IDEMIA (France)
- Rapiscan Systems (US)
- Smiths Detection Inc. (UK)
- Teledyne e2v (UK)
Recent Industry Developments :
Product Launch:
- In August 2024, IATA (International Air Transport Association) has launched Air Cargo Device Assessment Program, which is used for validating air cargo tracking devices, data loggers, and sensor for maintain security and safety of freights.
- In January 2024, Smiths Detection launched 3D X-ray technology for integrating at Fukuoka International Airport for quicker and deeper baggage assessment.
Air Cargo Security Screening Market Report Insights :
| Report Attributes | Report Details |
| Study Timeline | 2019-2032 |
| Market Size in 2032 | USD 4,110.33 Million |
| CAGR (2025-2032) | 5.1% |
| By Screening Type |
|
| By Cargo Type |
|
| By Aircraft |
|
| By Region |
|
| Key Players |
|
| North America | U.S. Canada Mexico |
| Europe | U.K. Germany France Spain Italy Russia Benelux Rest of Europe |
| APAC | China South Korea Japan India Australia ASEAN Rest of Asia-Pacific |
| Middle East and Africa | GCC Turkey South Africa Rest of MEA |
| LATAM | Brazil Argentina Chile Rest of LATAM |
| Report Coverage |
|
Key Questions Answered in the Report
How big is the air cargo security screening market? +
The air cargo security screening market was valued at USD 2,836.29 Million in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 4,110.33 Million by 2032.
Which is the fastest-growing region in the air cargo security screening market? +
Asia-Pacific is the region experiencing the most rapid growth in the air cargo security screening market.
What specific segmentation details are covered in the air cargo security screening report? +
The air cargo security screening report includes specific segmentation details for screening type, cargo type, aircraft and region.
Who are the major players in the air cargo security screening market? +
The key participants in the air cargo security screening market are 3DX-RAY (UK), Nuctech Company Limited (China), Leidos (US), IDEMIA (France), Rapiscan Systems (US), Smiths Detection Inc. (UK), Teledyne e2v (UK), Astrophysics Inc. (US), Autoclear (US), and L3Harris Technologies Inc. (US).
