Air Piracy and Terrorism Directed against U.S. Air Carriers

Air piracy and terrorism have presented an increasing challenge to the air carriers of the United States and to the air carriers of the rest of the world. The air carriers of the United States represent a particularly lucrative target because airlines are symbols of nations. Airliners, which may be carrying as many as 350 hostages or victims, can be pirated and controlled by a small force. Or they can be blown up by a small explosive device placed in baggage or cargo. Terrorist groups and air pirates differ significantly in their goals, aims, means, capabilities as well as many other characteristics. They represent causes and ideals which cover the ideological spectrum. No matter their cause or ideal they cause confusion and fear in the government and population of their target country. This study will examine air piracy and terrorism historically and provide a survey of more recent highly publicized and political acts against U.S. air carriers.