Cockpit barriers introduced for their first flights after years of delay
Published on Sep 14, 2025 at 9:10 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Sep 10, 2025 at 7:44 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
New cockpit barriers have been introduced for their first flights, after years of delay and waiting.
In-flight safety for the crew of an airliner has been a topic for decades, and the question of how best to protect the pilots from anyone unauthorised who might want to enter the cockpit might have an answer.
As well as locked doors, aircraft are now set to receive barriers to add an extra layer of protection for those flying the plane.
American news channels have had a preview of them on aircraft from Southwest Airlines, showing how they work and how much extra protection they offer.
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The new cockpit barriers are an important safety feature for commercial aviation
CBS News got to look at some of the barriers at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
They have been fitted to aircraft belonging to Southwest Airlines.
The barriers are on the new Boeing 737-Max.
These form part of a folding door between the front galley and flight deck.
The doors not only protect the pilots, but also the flight attendants.
One of the aims is to provide a more secure barrier between the cockpit and passenger area than just a flight crew blocking the way.
Potential intruders would find it much harder to get past a physical barrier.
Plus, if debris from an accident strikes the door, it may stop it from hitting a member of the flight crew.
The doors have taken a long time to go onto the aircraft
Airlines such as Southwest are hoping to keep everyone out of the cockpit area that shouldn’t be there.
It isn’t just potential intruders either.
Annoyed, angry, or frustrated passengers could become a real problem if their frustration boils over.
Slots in the barriers at least let the flight crew still talk to them while they are on board the airliner.
The barriers will now go hand-in-hand with other safety features like locked and fortified cockpit doors.
Such a simple solution could save many lives.
This will help to take the safety of commercial aviation to an even higher level.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
