The European aviation industry is facing a new wave of bomb threats, where at least 32 cases have affected about 12 airline companies within just four days.
Although all reported threats have thus far proved false, they have forced airlines to take emergency measures. Several planes have been accompanied by military vehicles, while others have changed the route and have sat at airports different from planned destinations.
One of the most unusual cases was that of an Aer Lingus flight that was forced to land on an air base some 1,000 miles [1 thousand km] from destination, as it ran out of fuel during the deviation.
aviation security experts stress that any threat should be treated as serious until the outcome of the respective checks. According to them, procedures include inspection of aircraft and control of explosives, even when passengers are unaware of the situation.
The main concern is related to the seemingly random nature of targets and lack of reliable information for authors. Several threats have been sent through phone calls and others via e – mail.
Experts do not rule out the possibility that this wave will be part of a hybrid war strategy aimed at creating uncertainty and chaos in European air transport. However, so far there is no confirmed evidence for the authors or for any joint organisation following these incidents.
Despite the direct damage to thousands of passengers and financial costs for companies, authorities and airlines continue to be on alert.
According to British aviation security legislation, deliberate communication of false information that jeopardises the safety of a plane constitutes serious criminal acts, punishable to life imprisonment.
Source Layer: Insander