Mandatory installation of secondary cockpit barriers

After nearly 23 years since the tragic events of 9/11, a critical flaw that allowed terrorists to storm the cockpits of four jetliners and turn them into weapons of mass murder is finally being addressed. President Joe Biden signed into law provisions requiring secondary cockpit barriers on all commercial airplanes, the last of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations yet to be implemented.

These lightweight, lockable metal gates, which cost roughly $35,000 each, will barricade cockpit doors to protect pilots when they open them in flight to use the restroom or receive food. The airline industry had opposed these barriers due to the added cost, but the efforts of advocates like Ellen Saracini, widow of Capt. Victor Saracini, who was a pilot on United Flight 175, helped push for this crucial safety measure.

Ellen Saracini fought for over a decade to convince lawmakers to mandate secondary cockpit barriers on all commercial airplanes. Her persistence paid off as the provisions were ratified by Biden as part of a larger civil aviation bill aimed at improving air travel.

While it may take three to five years for airlines to retrofit roughly 8,000 airplanes with the new barriers, the implementation of these measures is seen as a critical step in preventing another 9/11 tragedy. The changes are welcomed by many in the aviation industry, including former Federal Aviation Administration Special Agent Brian Sullivan, who emphasized the importance of protecting cockpit integrity.

Despite the progress, some lawmakers believe more stringent regulations are needed to prevent future hijackings. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis called for additional measures to ensure the safety and security of air travel in light of ongoing threats.