What important event led to the creation of security directives and information circulars in 1990?

The bombing of Pan Am flight 103 in 1988 was a pivotal event that highlighted the urgent need for enhanced aviation security measures. This tragic attack, which resulted in the deaths of 270 people when the flight was destroyed by a terrorist bomb over Lockerbie, Scotland, prompted widespread concern about the vulnerabilities within the aviation system.

In response to this tragedy, the U.S. government recognized the necessity of implementing more stringent security protocols to protect travelers and aviation infrastructure. Consequently, security directives and information circulars were introduced in 1990 to establish clearer guidelines and regulations aimed at bolstering security measures across the aviation industry. This shift was crucial in shaping the frameworks for security that are still in place today, reflecting a direct reaction to the alarming events surrounding the Pan Am flight incident.