USA. Aviation security for USA-bound flights in some countries will be intensified in response to terror threats – with a focus on passengers’ personal electronic devices. It is not yet clear how many airports will be affected or whether the new directive will result in long delays for passengers.
The move follows last week’s directive from Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to implement enhanced security at certain overseas airports.
The TSA issued a statement saying that as part of the screening process, security officers may ask that selected travellers power up some devices, including cell phones. But in a change to existing norms, devices without power (that cannot be switched on) will not be permitted onboard aircraft. This could result in electronic devices being confiscated or passengers being removed from flights. Travellers may also undergo additional screening, TSA added.
Media reports noted that the changes are in response to intelligence that Islamic militants are developing bombs that could evade airport security.
Last week, Secretary Johnson said: “DHS continually assesses the global threat environment and reevaluates the measures we take to promote aviation security. As part of this ongoing process, I have directed TSA to implement enhanced security measures in the coming days at certain overseas airports with direct flights to the United States.
“We are sharing recent and relevant information with our foreign allies and are consulting the aviation industry. These communications are an important part of our commitment to providing our security partners with situational awareness about the current environment and protecting the traveling public. Aviation security includes a number of measures, both seen and unseen, informed by an evolving environment. As always, we will continue to adjust security measures to promote aviation security without unnecessary disruptions to the travelling public.”
