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Assessing the Public Health Implications of Aviation Terrorism: A Retrospective Analysis of Global Trends and Response Strategies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 November 2024

Zakaria Mani Open the ORCID record for Zakaria Mani [Opens in a new window]  and
Krzysztof Goniewicz Open the ORCID record for Krzysztof Goniewicz [Opens in a new window]
Zakaria Mani*
Affiliation:
Nursing College, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
Krzysztof Goniewicz*
Affiliation:
Department of Security Studies, Polish Air Force University, Dęblin, Poland
*
Corresponding authors: Zakaria Mani and Krzysztof Goniewicz; Emails: [email protected]; [email protected]
Corresponding authors: Zakaria Mani and Krzysztof Goniewicz; Emails: [email protected]; [email protected]
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Abstract

Objectives

Terrorist attacks on the aviation sector represent a significant security challenge due to the high-profile status of airports and aircraft. These attacks not only jeopardize global security but also have severe public health repercussions, leading to widespread casualties and psychological distress.

Methods

This study conducted a comprehensive retrospective analysis using data from the Global Terrorism Database to explore the patterns, frequencies, and impacts of terrorist attacks on the aviation sector worldwide. The analysis spanned incidents from 1970 to 2020, focusing on attack types, affected regions, and the direct and indirect health consequences arising from these incidents.

Results

Over the 50-year period, the study identified 1183 terrorist attacks targeting the aviation sector. Bombings and explosions emerged as the most common and deadliest forms of attack, responsible for the majority of fatalities and injuries. The data also highlighted significant regional disparities, with certain areas experiencing higher frequencies of attacks and more severe outcomes. Notably, North America bore a disproportionately high number of fatalities, primarily due to the events of September 11, 2001.

Conclusions

The findings emphasize the ongoing and evolving threat of terrorism in the aviation industry, underscoring the critical need for a proactive and comprehensive approach to security and public health preparedness. Future strategies should prioritize the integration of advanced technological solutions, enhanced international cooperation, and thorough public health planning to mitigate the impact of terrorist attacks on aviation effectively.

Keywords

aviation securityterrorismpublic healthdisaster preparednesscounterterrorismemergency medical services
Type
Original Research
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 18 , 2024 , e272
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc

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