Summary

Aviation security covers the requirements established by international organisations and various countries and the methods used in order to avoid and prevent illegal intervention in civil aviation. Aviation security is indisputably a top priority after the terrorist attacks against New York on 11 September 2001.

The article provides an overview of the activities of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the European Civil Aviation Conference and of the European Union in the establishment of aviation security requirements. The regulation of aviation security in Estonia is also addressed. The author is concerned about the fact that the principles of aviation security in Estonia have not been established by an Act, but have been enacted by a Government Regulation. The civil aviation security programme adopted in Estonia on the basis of Annex 17 of the Chicago Convention is also analysed. The author claims that the greatest shortcoming of the programme is the fact that it only serves as a recommendation.

The author also addresses some aspects of treating passengers who breach the order. The author considers it necessary to define the concept of a passenger breaching the order and to specify the rules of conduct with such passengers.