This wasn't at the general airport security checkpoint, but at a secondary screening done by private security which Delta contracts (to the best of my knowledge).

Thus my question about ICTS (the name of the company), as it's my understanding they are a private security firm which Delta contracts directly to provide additional security on their flights specifically.

At most overseas airports, there is the general security checkpoint which all passengers go through. But certain airlines, typically US based carriers, will often contract out additional security to conduct secondary searches of all passengers at the gate as they are considered "high risk flights". As an example, this would be similar to an airline like El Al providing additional security above and beyond what the TSA does in the United States.

Being it is my understanding DL hired them to specifically provide security services above and beyond what the airport provides, DL has control over this specific "checkpoint".. (I put checkpoint it quotes as this was not the primary security checkpoint - this was at the gate and an "additional screening" above and beyond what is done at the regular checkpoint that all passengers go through).

It would be a different scenario, IMHO, if this happened with the regular airport security (primary checkpoint) at the Madrid airport. The primary checkpoint is staffed by Spanish airport security / local police (Spanish Govt controlled, I would presume) --- while on the other hand, what I referred to in my original message was done by private secondary screening, above & beyond, what the airport provides. FWIW, the primary security checkpoint which is operated by Spanish airport security / local police was professional and well operated.

As such, I was looking for any information or feedback with anyone familiar with this company (ICTS) and what kind of arrangements they have with airlines such as DL. My understanding is DL specifically contracts and pays them for their services -- but I'm looking for someone knowledgable in this area that could confirm if I am correct in this understanding.

Best,

SDF_Traveler

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"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin