1. Sabotage in airport
2. Sabotage in aircraft by way of bomb
3. Air terrorism/terrorism at airport
4. Hijacking of aircraft
5. Attack by criminals

Threat in the civil aviation industry has been changed from hijacking of aircrafts to sabotage. Likewise terrorism and sabotage are some times interlinked. The person with criminal motives usually does air terrorism by sabotaging the airport or the aircrafts.

If one could do criminal activities in the airport, then there are a weak links in the airport security. Terrorist usually attacks aircrafts due to political, social and other criminal motives. Their objectives are to cause disruptions or physical damages. Terrorists usually use explosives like bombs to carry out their task.

Air traffic computer systems are the most vulnerable to be sabotaged. Computer operation systems usually have a weak authentication and are easier to penetrate. System that has weak access controls tends to be poorly configured and as such easily misused as soon as anyone gains the initial access to the systems. Safety vulnerabilities are also rampant, due to the usage of improper software and hardware. Effective security equipments with proper security systems will help eliminate criminal activities and prevent espionage. To prevent unauthorized entry, we must have proper access control systems. We must further ensure that identification passes are been issued to only authorize personnel.

Hijackers use the human life to bargain something that they may want to achieve. They prefer to “Transfer the threats” to countries that are less developed and unsafe.

“Transfer of threats” means, the hijackers may redirect the flight from the country of origin to a safer place to accomplish. The objectives of terrorists are usually for publicity, to demand the release of their compatriots or for political changes in their countries and assassination.

The National Aviation Security Programme (NASP) gives us the information on the terrorists “threat models” (likely target of the unlawful acts), and tells us how they usually carry out their attacks. Terrorism may not be totally eradicated, but with proper screening procedures and having restrictions for items to be carried onboard the flight can help to deduce the unlawful acts.

ICAO Annex 17 prescribe the list of items allowed to be carried by passenger onboard the aircraft.

The objective of the ICAO is to ensure the aviation industry developed in a safe and orderly manner. ICAO sets the following guidelines:
a) It is responsibility of each state to establish a national civil aviation security programme and must have the objective to act against any unlawful interference and sabotage.

b) To develop, implement and maintain comprehensive flexible and effective national programmes.
c) Security standard for departure area which includes pre-flight boarding gate (holding area) baggage and cargo security screening.
d) To establish security measures at airport terminal buildings and aircraft parking areas (Airport Staff Identification and protection of documents).
e) To take security measure airport in flights.
f) Security standard on each type of security device used in the airport.
g) Aviation security training scope.
h) Management’s response to unlawful interference and threat.
i) Communication and exchange of information and report.

The European Civil Aviation Organization (ECAC), which has members from most European countries, also works closely with the ICAO to promote coordination and develop better air transportation systems in the Europe.
Items that are permitted can be carried as cargo but they must be properly packed. Our prime consideration must always be safety. Leaks from item like batteries, wax or thermometers can help disastrous. It is advised that you are not allowed to take toxic or radio active action materials on board.