Des Moines International Airport announced Wednesday that it will no longer pursue participation in the TSA Gold+ program. The decision follows the Transportation Security Administration’s recent announcement that it is ending the initiative and will replace it with an updated version of its Screening Partnership Program.
Local impact and original expectations
Airport Authority CEO Brian Mulcahy explained that the airport began exploring Gold+ this summer as a way to introduce newer security screening technology to the new terminal slated to open in 2027. “We believed it could potentially bring advanced screening technology to our new terminal and improve the passenger experience,” Mulcahy said. With the TSA’s decision to discontinue Gold+, the airport’s investigation has concluded.
How Gold+ would have worked
Under the Gold+ model, a private contractor would have handled passenger screening while remaining under TSA oversight. The agency would still set security requirements, certify equipment, and oversee checkpoint operations. Airport officials highlighted two primary benefits they expected:
- Faster access to advanced equipment: Private contractors could potentially acquire cutting‑edge screening technology more quickly than airports relying on the federal procurement process.
- Stability during federal shutdowns: Contracted security staff would continue working even if a government shutdown occurred, providing continuity for travelers.
Despite these projected advantages, the program never moved beyond the planning stage. No contractor had been selected, and no implementation timeline was set before the TSA’s policy change.
Union concerns
The proposal drew criticism from the union representing TSA officers in Iowa and Nebraska. Union leaders warned that shifting screening jobs to a private contractor could make it harder to retain experienced officers and raised questions about the compensation and benefits that current TSA employees would receive under a contractor‑run model.
Next steps for Des Moines Airport
Mulcahy emphasized that the airport will continue working closely with the TSA to adopt any new screening technology that becomes available through the updated Screening Partnership Program. “Our priority remains delivering a safe, efficient travel experience for our passengers while supporting the federal security standards that protect our nation,” he said.
Broader context
The TSA’s decision reflects a broader shift in its aviation security strategy, aiming to streamline partnerships and focus resources on a revised screening framework. While the Gold+ program will not move forward, the agency’s commitment to modernizing security equipment remains, and airports like Des Moines can still benefit from future technology upgrades.
Des Moines International Airport continues to prepare for the opening of its new terminal in 2027, a project that promises expanded capacity and modern amenities for travelers throughout central Iowa.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
