6.25.25 – Staying Safe and Vigilant in Today’s World

Staying Safe and Vigilant in Today’s World

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

We are living in a time of heightened uncertainty and unrest—a world that can change instantly. As First Responders, we stand on the front lines of safety, but we are not immune to the dangers that exist on the ground and in the skies.

The June 22, 2025 Department of Homeland Security National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin reads as follows:

The ongoing Iran conflict is causing a heightened threat environment in the United States. Low-level cyber attacks against US networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely, and cyber actors affiliated with the Iranian government may conduct attacks against US networks. Iran also has a long-standing commitment to target US Government officials it views as responsible for the death of an Iranian military commander killed in January 2020. The likelihood of violent extremists in the Homeland independently mobilizing to violence in response to the conflict would likely increase if Iranian leadership issued a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence against targets in the Homeland. Multiple recent Homeland terrorist attacks have been motivated by anti-Semitic or anti-Israel sentiment, and the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict could contribute to US-based individuals plotting additional attacks.

APFA is included in ongoing discussions with American Airlines management regarding potential threats and security concerns, including the current environment surrounding our service to Doha. Iran launched an air attack on a US base in Qatar, threatening to heighten conflict.

Heightened vigilance should not be limited to any one destination or region. Whether you are flying internationally or domestically, situational awareness is imperative. The threat landscape has heightened, and we must remain alert.

We have faced moments like this before. Many of our Members remember the events of September 11, 2001—an attack that forever altered the landscape of our profession. The selfless actions demonstrated by Flight Attendants and other First Responders that day remain a powerful testament to the vital role we play in aviation security and the protection of our passengers.

Remain Vigilant

Stay alert. Trust your instincts. Speak up when something feels wrong. Remember, APFA EAP is always available.

APFA Notification System

The APFA Notification System allows members to directly notify APFA Safety and Security representatives of any critical incident on the aircraft, at the airport, or while on layover. Notifying APFA Safety and Security through the APFA Notification System will initiate internal procedures within the Union. APFA Safety and Security, Base Presidents, Base Vice Presidents, National Officers, and EAP representatives all work collaboratively to provide support.

This system does not replace company procedures- it is another resource to ensure you receive help.

The notification prompt system is set up as follows (click graphic below to enlarge):

APFA Leadership remains in ongoing discussions with American Airlines management regarding potential security threats. Threats can arise anywhere in our system—internationally or domestically—and staying alert, reporting concerns promptly, and trusting your instincts are essential to maintaining a secure environment for both crew and passengers.

Although we remain hopeful that elevated threat levels will decline, staying vigilant must always remain our top priority.

In Solidarity,