Istanbul Airport, our gateway to the world, needs a perfectly functioning system to ensure that millions of people can travel safely every day. This giant structure, which we boast about the number of aircraft landings and take-offs and passenger capacity, actually stands on an invisible backbone: security workers.
However, allegations circulating in recent days indicate that this backbone has been deliberately weakened. According to rumors, as of April 30, 700 personnel out of a private security staff of approximately 3200 have been quietly dismissed / dismissal procedures have been initiated.
What is more striking is the information that the working system of the remaining personnel has been aggravated.
The personnel were informed that the shift system, which is currently based on 3 days of 8-hour work and 2 days off, will be changed to 2 days of 12-hour work and 2 days off as of May 1, 2026.
In the old system 3*8 = 6 days of work - 2 days week vacation,
The new system 2*12 = 4 days work - 2 days week vacation,
Shift from 8-hour shifts to longer and more grueling patterns...
This is not just a “change of working pattern”. It is a technical and life-threatening decision that directly affects the quality of security. A staff reduction and shift increase in security brings with it three major dangers.
Cognitive Fatigue and “Attention Blindness”: The biggest enemy in security operations is fatigue. Transitioning from 8-hour standard shifts to longer ones increases the cognitive load on personnel. Especially in tasks that require high focus, such as X-ray operators, after a while the brain starts to confuse visual anomalies (weapons, explosives, etc.) with normal objects. A tired eye may see even the biggest risk as “ordinary”.
Workload per Personnel and Critical Threshold: The departure of 700 staff means that the burden on the shoulders of the remaining staff increases by approximately . Reducing capacity at a time when passenger numbers are constantly increasing may reduce the quality of inspection at checkpoints. Every time speed overrides safety, the risk grows exponentially.
Deterrence and Physical Presence: Security is not only a technological infrastructure, but also a “visible deterrent”. Reduced patrols and staffing within the terminal can create the perception of a “soft target” for malicious actors. As the visibility of security decreases, risk appetite increases.
Because what we call security is not just a matter of numbers, but it is an area where numbers are also critical. It is not realistic to expect maximum attention and flawless reflexes from a security officer who is tired, under stress and working beyond his/her capacity. The human factor is the most sensitive link in security. When this link is weakened, the entire chain is at risk.
Every personnel reduction made today under the name of “savings” or “efficiency” may turn out to be a security gap tomorrow. Moreover, this is no ordinary area; it is one of the world's busiest air traffic centers.
The Ataturk Airport attack not only caused loss of life, but also deeply shook Turkey's perception of security. In the aftermath of such a trauma, any step that would call security capacity into question should be evaluated much more carefully.
Now there is a simple but vital question to ask:
Can you save on security?
If these allegations are true, this is not just about 700 people losing their jobs. It is about weakening a system that directly concerns the safety of millions of people. The authorities are expected to clearly clarify these allegations. Transparency is a necessity, not a choice, in such critical matters.
It must be remembered that airports do not only carry passengers, they are also the security showcase of a country. And the smallest crack in that showcase can have much bigger consequences than we realize.