Security threats to commercial airlines increase while funding lapse for TSA continues.
What Happened? | A pair of potential security threats to air travelers took place last week during the continued partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which includes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). | In the first incident, authorities evacuated passengers and employees from Kansas City International Airport on Sunday after receiving a bomb threat involving the terminal and a nearby parking garage. | On the same day, passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight were instructed to 'keep your heads down and hands up' by armed security officials as the plane made an unplanned landing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Friday night following a reported security threat. | In both cases, the incidents were resolved with no injuries or damage to property. | Why it Matters | The incidents highlight the elevated threat level to air travelers due to the war with Iran and the continued funding lapse for the TSA due to an impasse in Congress. Taken together, the increased threat level and the TSA funding lapse have created a dangerous situation. | This is at a time when heightened security is needed for commercial air travel, but fewer resources than normal are available to provide it. Though TSA personnel are considered essential and many have continued to work without pay, some have not, creating staffing shortages at some airports. | In the case of the Kansas City incident, after careful investigation, authorities determined the bomb threat was not real and that no actual threat was posed to passengers and employees. But that was after the entire airport had to be evacuated and flight operations paused, which caused substantial disruptions and delays for passengers at or going through Kansas City International Airport. | For the Southwest flight, local police assisted federal agents who boarded the plane and removed a passenger who was believed to be a possible security threat. But ultimately no charges were filed against the individual. Passengers were briefly delayed in Atlanta before continuing on to their original destination. | Though no attacks were carried out during these two incidents, there has been an increased threat level to air travelers due to the war with Iran. Iranian officials have issued calls for their followers to exact revenge for the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei, and that includes terrorist groups both abroad and potentially in the United States. | Air travel has long been a favorite target of terrorist organizations because it allows them to create a mass casualty event guaranteed to generate a substantial amount of publicity, both of which are primary objectives of terrorist groups. | How it Affects You | With no end in sight for the TSA funding lapse or the war in Iran, the security challenges facing commercial air travel are likely to continue to grow. Airlines also face the prospect of rising fuel costs due to the increase in global oil prices, creating more difficulties for commercial air operators. Passengers can expect to see rising ticket prices and longer waits at airports. | | More breaking news below… | Lebanese President Joseph Aoun calls for ceasefire with Israel and vows to disarm Hezbollah. Read more here… |
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