Travel security for business aircraft flight crews and passengers has become a frontline responsibility for operators planning international missions outside the United States, according to industry security professionals.
Speaking at the NBAA 2026 International Operators Conference in San Diego, an expert panel warned that preparation, situational awareness and disciplined procedures are more critical than ever to maintaining safety against potential kidnappers, attackers and thieves, as well as avoiding potential violence from internal conflicts.
“If it’s an area where we’re concerned about instability, civil unrest, we’re going to think about proximity to high-value targets for areas which are our focal points for popular gatherings and protests and so on. Stay out of those areas to the extent you can,” said Patrick Kane, senior director of security at Atlas Air Worldwide. In volatile environments, crews must be prepared to either evacuate or shelter in place, depending on which option presents less risk.
“There’s often a kind of instinctual response: We have to evacuate immediately, right now,” Kane said. “But many times, you don’t know what you’re evacuating into, and you’re exposing yourself unnecessarily, or your staff unnecessarily.”
“That’s where a good emergency response plan will be useful for a small operator,” said Hansford Smith, director of safety and organizational development at Silver Air. “You can’t plan for every possible contingency, but having that framework at least will help you answer key questions you need to be asking, such as: What is the information that I’m going to need? What key information am I going to need make smart decision? And then what are those possible courses of action?”
“There’s often a perception that the hotel is a safe haven. But hotels can also be prime targets for criminals or other bad actors.”
Patrick Kane Senior Director of Security, Atlas Air Worldwide
Hotels and Ground Transport Remain Key Vulnerabilities
Accommodations and local transportation were identified as some of the most common security exposure points for business aircraft crews and principals. When selecting hotels, operators should evaluate not only the property itself, but also its surroundings.
“If it’s an environment where there are concerns about terrorism, we’re going to be thinking about the standoff off the street with the hotel, and how do they control access in and out of the hotel property?” Kane said. “There’s often a perception that the hotel is a safe haven. But hotels can also be prime targets for criminals or other bad actors.”
Valuable layers of protection can be achieved relatively easily with a few simple, effective habits, the experts said, including a thorough inspection of your hotel room before settling in, locating the hotel’s emergency exits on arrival and coordinating with fellow crew members on how you plan to maintain communication at all times during your stay.
Transportation choices also require careful consideration, particularly in higher-risk regions. While rideshare services may be convenient in low-risk locations, a much safer option is pre-arranged, vetted transportation providers, the panelists said.
Experts also recommended practical precautions, such as confirming driver identities, always sharing location information with colleagues and monitoring routes during travel.
“Bad actors are quite savvy,” said John Cauthen, director of security for aviation and maritime at MedAire. “Sometimes they have inside information from the hotel front desk, or from others who are employed at the airport. They’ll know when flight crews are coming in, and they’ll be able to set schemes in motion. For example, they may call your room and say, “Hey, your transportation has arrived.” Then, you get into the car, and it’s actually somebody who’s going to be taking you to an express kidnapping, or whatever the case may be. So, you’ve got to be vigilant and pay attention no matter where you are, because that hotel, in and of itself, offers an area for targeting.”
Beware of Social Media Exposure
Crews and passengers should limit posting travel locations, photos or operational details on their social media accounts. This can inadvertently reveal sensitive information that criminals can use to piece together information and plan crimes or track high-profile individuals.
Consider performing a vulnerability assessment of the trip’s principal passengers. “What is their footprint on social media? How often are they posting? Who is posting about it? It’s something to keep track of, and similarly, with the flight crews,” said Matt Burdette, vice president, security operations at The ASA Group. “Maybe they’ve not had that briefing before. Hopefully there’s been a conversation, but it’s a hole that needs to be looked at.”
Consider These Security Tips and Resources
The panel said the U.S. State Department’s Overseas Security Advisory Council website at osac.gov has valuable tools for gathering security intelligence and best practices and NBAA offers a menu of resources at NBAA.org/security.
The experts also offered these tips designed to reduce risk during international trips.
- Have a risk assessment process in place for all travel.
- Crew/passengers should get at least a basic destination briefing in advance.
- Make sure everyone has everyone else’s contact info along with emergency contacts at company headquarters, the U.S. Embassy, the local office.
- Control information you discuss in public, such as dinner talk, etc.
- Lock and seal aircraft after parking.
- Ensure positive control of all luggage.
- Consider annual security training.
- Don’t look like a victim; consider covering uniforms.
- Practice safe ground travel; know your vendors.
- Consider meeting with the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Officer if you’re a frequent traveler to a country.
- Never get complacent.
Smaller operators without formal security departments should designate at least one employee who is responsible for monitoring security issues and maintaining contacts.
“Get them schooled up, at least to a certain extent, where they have contacts and networks that they’re able to access,” said Kane. “Because I think we’re at a stage in the world now where you can’t operate without having that as being an aspect of your operation.”
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.