Crossword Genius

Threshold of a boom in air travel (5,7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sound barrier

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'air travel' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both types of natural phenomena as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'threshold of a boom' is the wordplay.
'threshold of' becomes 'sound' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'a boom' becomes 'barrier' (I've seen this before).
'sound'+'barrier'='SOUND BARRIER'

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sound barrier that I've seen before include "Air resistance" , "Speed-related problem (for aircraft)" , "It is passed with a boom" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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