ALPA Urges Secondary Cockpit Barriers for U.S. Airlines

At the September 11, 2025 Air Safety Forum, ALPA called for secondary cockpit barriers across U.S. commercial fleets to strengthen crew and passenger protection.

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) — the union representing thousands of U.S. airline pilots — used its annual Air Safety Forum on September 11, 2025 to highlight persistent safety issues, naming pilot fatigue, regulatory compliance and cockpit security as top concerns.

Delegates honored pilots for outstanding safety work and pushed operators to move faster on practical protections. ALPA argued that secondary cockpit barriers could add a measurable layer of defense beyond the primary flight deck door and reduce risks to flight crews.

Industry watchers say the conversation reflects wider pressure on carriers and regulators to balance operational demands with safety oversight. ALPA’s public call aims to spur both airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to evaluate standards and timelines.

Why secondary cockpit barriers matter

Secondary cockpit barriers are a tangible, near-term measure for tightening in-flight security. ALPA emphasized that any barrier solution should also consider crew workload and emergency access procedures so safety gains don’t create new hazards.

Key industry asks included mandatory assessments and rapid deployment of secondary cockpit barriers, plus stronger attention to pilot fatigue and regulatory compliance.

ALPA’s push at the September 11 meeting signals growing momentum for standardized cockpit security upgrades in the U.S. While implementation details and timelines will depend on airline buy-in and regulator guidance, the union framed the change as an urgent safety priority.