US expands security checks for international flights

WASHINGTON - 22 July 2017: The US is requiring stricter security checks on some inbound international flights, US and European airlines said, amid new concerns about terrorists planning to attack planes.

The Department of Homeland Security in late June mandated a set of enhanced security requirements covering hundreds of US and overseas airlines and 280 foreign airports that offer direct flights to the US, Wall Street Journal reported.

All 180 airlines and more than 280 last-point-of-departure airports around the world have implemented the first phase of enhanced security measures as outlined in the June 28 remarks by Homeland Secretary John Kelly.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has lifted the restrictions on large personal electronic devices for the ten airports/nine airlines in the Middle East and North Africa, which were announced in March. These airports and airlines have successfully implemented the first phase of enhanced security measures.

There are currently no airlines under restrictions for large personal electronic devices. Airlines worldwide have implemented additional security measures that ultimately make the global aviation community more secure.

The quick and decisive action taken by airlines, nations, and stakeholders is a testament to the US' shared commitment to raising the bar on global aviation security. Airlines were able to implement the necessary enhanced security measures because of the close coordination and extensive communication between aviation partners and the DHS/TSA.