Brace for the new threat to air passenger safety

• The recent explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies in West Asia, particularly in Lebanon, have sparked fresh concerns over global aviation safety.
• While these incidents have thus far been contained to localised areas, they bring back chilling memories of past aviation threats and have raised alarms about the possible implications for air travel security worldwide.

The Israeli Factor and Its Global Repercussions:

• The involvement of Israel, supported by the United States and the broader Western bloc, in aggressive military tactics has drawn attention not only for the geopolitical tensions it generates but also for the broader safety concerns it poses.
• The airline industry, which is already under strain from a myriad of challenges, now faces the spectre of new risks to flights.
• This threat, exacerbated by Israel's military activities, particularly with electronic warfare, could lead to aviation vulnerabilities that may affect passengers globally.
• In the past, nations have taken steps to mitigate threats arising from political and terrorist activities. Hijacking during the 1970s and 1980s was one such tactic, but post-9/11, the world has seen the introduction of robust aviation security standards by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
• Yet, these measures may not suffice in addressing the latest threats posed by exploding electronic devices, potentially triggered by external signals.

The Issue with VVIP Exemptions in India:

• While most countries have tightened their aviation security protocols, India stands as an exception in some areas, particularly with its VVIP exemptions. In 1989, India exempted a limited number of individuals from undergoing mandatory security checks.
• Over time, this list has grown, allowing even those with questionable backgrounds to evade the comprehensive scrutiny that most passengers face.
• This perforated safety shield increases the risk of security breaches, especially if VVIPs are allowed to board with unvetted or unchecked luggage.
• The Indian government's Pegasus spyware scandal and allegations of electronic surveillance also add a layer of complexity. If sensitive or dangerous electronic devices can bypass scrutiny in VVIP baggage, the possibility of a security disaster looms large.

The Threat of In-Flight Electronic Devices:

• In-flight safety protocols, particularly regarding the use of mobile phones and electronic devices, have been long established.
• Passengers are instructed to place their phones in flight mode to avoid interference with aircraft systems. Despite advancements in technology, airlines continue to enforce these rules to prevent potential malfunctions, given that a single error could result in tragic consequences.
• The explosions seen in West Asia from small electronic devices bring forth a new potential hazard. What if a similar device were triggered mid-flight? A cabin fire, compounded by the risk of decompression at high altitudes, could lead to an uncontrollable disaster. Oxygen masks, typically deployed during decompression, would only exacerbate a fire, placing passengers in an impossible situation.

The Larger Impact on Global Aviation Safety:

• The Western world's tacit acceptance of Israel's military operations, and the subsequent risks these operations create for global air travel, has not been adequately addressed.
• For instance, airlines have already imposed restrictions on electronic devices, but more stringent measures may be necessary to prevent a catastrophic attack using remote-triggered explosions. Banning onboard Wi-Fi and implementing signal shields at airports might be necessary to thwart attempts at triggering these devices during flights.
• Furthermore, VVIP exemptions must be re-evaluated. Allowing certain individuals to bypass security checks creates loopholes that could be exploited. In a worst-case scenario, if an explosive device made its way into an aircraft cabin via a VVIP’s unsearched bag, the consequences could be catastrophic.

Proactive Measures for Aviation Safety:

• The global aviation industry needs to bolster security in response to these evolving threats.
• The Lebanon incidents serve as a wake-up call, prompting airlines to impose immediate bans on certain electronic devices from Beirut, with a likelihood of similar restrictions spreading worldwide.
• India, too, must strengthen its aviation security by curbing VVIP exemptions, banning Wi-Fi on flights, and installing signal shields at airports, particularly in the vicinity of sensitive areas.
• As aviation becomes increasingly intertwined with cybersecurity and electronic warfare, it is imperative for governments and regulatory bodies to remain vigilant.
• The evolving landscape of technological threats demands proactive, rather than reactive, approaches to ensure the safety of all passengers.