The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the United States presented its new roadmap this week to transform security checks at more than 430 airports across the country.
The initiative, named Horizon 25, was announced by the new administrator of the agency, David P. Cummins, as the TSA approaches its 25th anniversary, which will be celebrated on November 19.
Three objectives and a "zero defects" mission
Horizon 25 articulates three priorities:
- Modernize the security checkpoints.
- Improve the travelers' experience.
- Strengthen protection in various means of transportation, not just in commercial aviation.
The scope of the plan extends beyond airports: it encompasses railway networks, public transport systems, highways, pipelines, and maritime infrastructure, under what the agency refers to as its "zero failures mission."
In the official statement, Cummins summarized the core philosophy of the strategy.
"The TSA does not have to choose between a secure checkpoint, an efficient checkpoint, and an elevated passenger experience. Through Horizon 25, the TSA can, and will, deliver all three at once,” states the document.
Concrete changes for travelers
Among the most tangible measures, Horizon 25 includes a review and expansion of the TSA PreCheck program, which allows pre-registered passengers to access expedited inspection lanes.
The plan also includes the acquisition of new technology to replace the current scanners in the boarding areas.
It will also incorporate analytical tools that reduce processing times for carry-on luggage and passenger identification.
Another priority area is the expansion of capabilities to counter the threat of drones in light of the proliferation of unmanned aircraft systems in the airspace.
To move forward with the implementation, Cummins scheduled a meeting for September with innovators and operational staff from the terminals and headquarters.
Cummins took over the leadership of the agency at the beginning of August, after being confirmed by the Senate with a narrow vote of 51 to 47. He had been nominated by President Donald Trump in May.
He arrives at the position with experience in the private transport sector and with the explicit mandate to modernize an agency that supervises approximately 60,000 employees.
"As we look to the next 25 years, we must continually work to anticipate changing threats and foster a 'Golden Age' of travel. Through the Horizon 25 Strategy, we will build an agile, resilient TSA ready for the challenges of tomorrow," stated Cummins.
The end of TSA Gold+ and the bet on privatization
One of the most controversial points of Horizon 25 is the elimination of the TSA Gold+ program, an initiative aimed at accelerating the use of private contractors in airport security screenings.
However, the TSA clarifies that it is not abandoning the involvement of the private sector.
According to the official statement, "a renewed Inspection Partnership Program will replace the TSA Gold+, in order to better leverage the role of the private sector in creating a safer and more efficient aviation system."
Currently, 20 airports —the largest of which is San Francisco International Airport— are already operating with TSA-supervised private inspection.
The advantage of that model became evident during the partial government shutdowns in March 2026, when many federal agents did not show up for work and long lines formed, while the terminals with private contractors operated normally.
The proposal to privatize airport security has generated significant union resistance.
The federal employees union AFGE, which represents around 47,000 TSA officers, filed a lawsuit against the agency and strongly opposes any progress in that direction.
"The actions of the administration should concern all Americans, and AFGE will continue to speak out against any proposal that threatens the jobs of our members and jeopardizes the safety of the flying public," stated Everett Kelley, national president of the union.
The TSA was established on November 19, 2001, when President George W. Bush signed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act in direct response to the September 11 attacks, which revealed significant deficiencies in airport security measures.
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