Air Terrorism as a Threat to the Safety of Air Transport

Jacek Pająk

doi:10.37105/sd.90

Abstract

The author of this article addresses the issue of the threat posed to air transport security by air terrorism. The main goal of this article is to identify the specific threats arising from air terrorism and examine their implications for the functioning of air transport as a whole. The dangers posed by attacks using hijacked light aircraft as well as large passenger airliners are highlighted. The article is based on the literature study and the author’s own analyses of the issue.

Highlights

The turn of the 20th and 21st centuries has been a period in human history characterized by dynamic changes in the living conditions of the inhabitants of the Earth
Despite its many positive social aspects, air transport is connected with one negative phenomenon, namely air terrorism
The threats posed by air terrorism today have consequences such as: a large number of human casualties and direct losses after the attack, long-term economic losses resulting from a decrease in the number of passengers and contractors for the airlines concerned, psychological effects on society, long-term political and social consequences

Summary

Introduction

The turn of the 20th and 21st centuries has been a period in human history characterized by dynamic changes in the living conditions of the inhabitants of the Earth. Globalization is one of many processes that is developing dynamically. It fosters a situation in which state borders do not pose an obstacle to the movement of people or goods of all kinds, whether by sea, air or land. The author pays special attention to such counter-measures that may prove effective against the threats posed to air transport safety by air terrorist activity. The thesis assumes that the phenomenon of air terrorism over the last several decades has become the greatest threat to air transport safety by posing a direct threat to lives of both travelers and ordinary residents who may die as a result of an act of air terror. Despite its many positive social aspects, air transport is connected with one negative phenomenon, namely air terrorism. That phenomenon poses a threat to the lives of passengers and to the lives of others, who are the potential victims of terrorist attacks by virtue of being in an affected air-space or airport zone

Terrorists attacks

Summary