The new wave of bomb threats targeting aircraft is causing widespread disruption to air travel across Europe. Star television has outlined the security measures that are activated in such situations, using Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” as a prime example.
The procedure followed when a bomb threat alarm is triggered
According to Star, the moment a threatening phone call reporting a bomb is received and police are notified, an alarm is immediately triggered at the airport’s operations center. The airport supervisor and director are briefed on the contents of the call, and a emergency committee is swiftly convened, comprising police officers, the Civil Aviation Authority, the airport management company, and Athens International Airport (AIA) security personnel. The threatening call is then rapidly assessed and classified — determining whether it is credible, a hoax, potentially credible, or a full “red alert” situation.
The procedure for an aircraft already on the ground at the airport
If the threat involves an aircraft already on the ground, the relevant protocol is immediately activated. The aircraft is moved to a designated secured area of the airport, the fire service and bomb disposal experts are called in, and a thorough search of the entire aircraft is conducted. In the vast majority of cases, the control alarm is activated. The plane is grounded, and simultaneously, a police investigation is launched to identify whoever is behind the anonymous threatening call.
