The year 2024 served as a stark reminder of the inherent and evolving risks associated with travel. A series of tragic events, including two devastating airline crashes, highlighted the fragility of even the most common modes of transportation.
- The Jeju Air Crash: On Christmas Day, a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 carrying 181 passengers and crew from Bangkok, Thailand, collided with a barrier at Muan International Airport in South Korea, resulting in a catastrophic fire. Sadly, only two crew members survived the incident. This tragedy, coupled with the earlier downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines jet in Kazakhstan on Christmas Day, contributed to a significant increase in passenger plane fatalities in 2024.
- American Airlines Grounding: American Airlines grounded all flights on Christmas Eve due to a technical issue, causing widespread disruption for travellers and underscoring the vulnerability of complex travel systems.
- The Las Vegas Cyber truck Explosion: The explosion of a Tesla Cyber truck filled with fuel and fireworks in Las Vegas resulted in casualties and raised concerns about the safety of autonomous vehicles and the potential for their misuse.
- The New Orleans Tragedy: On Christmas Eve, a vehicle crashed into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, resulting in multiple casualties. This incident, potentially intentional, highlighted the evolving nature of threats and the vulnerability of crowded public spaces.
These incidents, occurring within a short timeframe, underscored the unpredictable nature of travel and the importance of preparedness. Even the most experienced travellers can be affected by unforeseen events, emphasising the need for robust travel risk management strategies.
As organisations, we have a responsibility to prioritise the safety and security of our employees, both during work-related travel and personal journeys. This necessitates:
- Comprehensive Travel Risk Management Policies: Implementing robust policies that address potential threats at every stage of the journey, from pre-trip planning to post-trip recovery.
- Employee Training & Resources: Equipping employees with essential travel safety knowledge, including crisis communication protocols and access to emergency assistance resources.
- Employee Support Programs: Offering emotional and practical support to employees impacted by travel-related incidents, such as access to counselling services and assistance with travel arrangements.
Beyond the immediate impact on individuals, these incidents highlight broader societal vulnerabilities. Urban centres, airports, accommodation, and even modes of ground transportation all present potential risks. While air travel remains statistically one of the safest modes of transport, the reality is that incidents are more likely to occur on the ground.
The rise of vehicle-related incidents, whether accidental or intentional, is a significant concern. The accessibility and ease of obtaining vehicles have unfortunately contributed to an increase in their use for criminal activities.
Moving forward, it is crucial to adopt a holistic approach to travel risk management. This involves:
- Enhanced Ground Transportation Security: Implementing measures to enhance the safety of ground transportation, including improved vehicle security protocols and enhanced driver training.
- Traveller Awareness & Training: Educating travellers on potential risks and equipping them with the knowledge and skills to mitigate those risks.
- Collaboration and Information Sharing: Fostering collaboration among travel stakeholders, including organisations, transportation providers, and security agencies, to enhance information sharing and intelligence gathering.
By proactively addressing these evolving challenges, and optimising our programmes, we can strive to create a safer and more secure travel experience for all.
