Security environment at the Bacha Khan International Airport, Peshawar

Abstract

The post 9/11 tides of terrorism in Pakistan badly affected the aviation industry of the country. Acts of terrorism were perpetrated at different airports of the country. Bacha Khan International Airport (BKIA) Peshawar remained the most affected due to frequent terrorist attacks. This article dissects the reasons behind the terrorist activities in and around BKIA. The location, vulnerabilities, and some big terror incidents at BKIA have been discussed and analyzed in this study. Security measures at airports have been looked into. It has been investigated as to why complete prevention of terrorist incidents at all the airports in general and BKLA, in particular, is so difficult. The multidimensional impact of terrorism on the Pakistani aviation industry does not appear much researched. This article specifically focuses on the impact of terrorism on BKIA Peshawar. The types of attacks and their respective impact have also been discussed. The passenger's and visitors’ difficulties in reaching the airport have been chronicled. The study also carries some workable recommendations for the government, the response of the people, and the need for an advanced security mechanism for the protection and promotion of the aviation industry in Pakistan.