Terrorism Studies: Aviation Terrorism and Security

This module can be studied on a standalone basis or as part of the Certificate in Terrorism Studies

Essential topics covered include:

• Why aviation remains a key terrorist target and the need for effective aviation security
• The evolution of aviation terrorism: hijack and sabotage bombing
• The severity of the threat posed by new terrorists such as Al Qaeda to civil aviation
• Emerging threats, the need for awareness and advanced measures in countering aviation terrorism
• Comparative analysis of national and international measures needed in aviation security and international cooperation
• Proposed solutions for countering attacks on aviation terrorism

Download the full Certificate in Terrorism Studies prospectus here

Terrorist organisations are constantly looking for new ways to launch attacks. As air travel became a more popular mode of travel around the world, terrorists turned their attention to aviation terrorism, and carried out hijackings and mid-air bombings and sabotage. Terrorist air attacks on the US on September 11, 2001, killed almost 3,000 people and destroyed property and infrastructure worth trillions of dollars.

For the terrorists, the estimated cost of the attacks of 9/11 was $500,000.  This highlights the scale of destruction an air attack can cause using aeroplanes as means of mass destruction.

In August 2006 there came a striking example of the Al Qaeda network’s continuing efforts to develop new tactics of aviation terrorism: UK Police arrested a group linked to Al Qaeda planning to use liquid bombs assembled on board to blow up seven airliners en route from London Heathrow Airport to the USA. If the plotters had succeeded the fatalities could have exceeded those of 9/11. Leading members of the cell were convicted in 2009 and sentenced to lengthy terms of imprisonment. Airport security scanners capable of detecting liquids are being developed, but until they are widely installed in airports, government restrictions on liquids and gels being taken through airport security are retained.

It is the need of our times to maintain effective aviation security at all airports and diligently undertake security processes to prevent aviation terrorism.

The module is designed to be studied over four weeks:

Week 1: Gain an insight into the historical evolution of modern civil aviation terrorism.

Week 2: Understand the current and emerging threats to national and international civil aviation security, specifically from the perspective of new terrorism propagated by Al Qaeda.

Week 3: Gain an understanding of the prerequisites for an effective security system at the national level in countries.

Week 4: Comprehend the need for international co-operation in countering aviation terrorism and follow the debate on developing solutions to strengthen aviation security. 

Study modules individually or as part of the Certificate in Terrorism Studies.

Download the full Certificate in Terrorism Studies prospectus here

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