A research on determining issues on security services' administrative success at civil airports in Turkey

Security services at airports which are starting and finishing point of air transportation are critically important for preventing illegal acts against aviation security. On the other hand, it is also responsible for reducing benefits of air transportation such as comfort and speed. Therefore, ensuring success of airport security services is a necessity for aviation security and passenger satisfaction. Accordingly, the success of security services at airports rely on managing aviation security elements (human, security system and equipment) efficiently and productively. The aim of this study finds out issues related to airport security services administrative success and to develop solutions to these issues. In this research, qualitative research method was utilized. As the data collection tool, semi-structured interview method was applied. Semi-structured interviews were carried through purposive sampling method by choosing participants from law enforcement agency, private security force and customs enforcement agency. The qualitative data obtained in the end of research was analyzed through inductive method and within the context of research question, findings were identified and interpreted. In the end of research, issues affecting airport security services' administrative success themes include different organizations involving in airport security services, lack of aviation security specialisation, issues related to regulations, issues related to audit, issues exclusive to shareholders, aviation security training and security to commitment. After explaining themes separately, relationships between themes were mentioned and provided with issues general overview. Lastly, solution suggestions were introduced for these issues, in other words potential hazards. Keywords: Civil Aviation Security, Airport Security, Civil Aviation Management, Qualitative Research