I think there's probably an interesting overlap between security theatre and increased retail opportunity in airports. If I were a major airport retailer, I'd be lobbying hard for increased security screening - bored people forced to hang around in airports are likely to spend more.
See eg http://www.aerlines.nl/issue_40/40_Beundia_de_Barros.pdf
(and count me as another UK citizen who avoids flying as much as is reasonably possible these days.)