The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin implementing new enhanced security measures for all air carriers with international flights to the U.S., according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano.
The new security protocols will apply to all passengers traveling to the U.S. and superseding the emergency measures (visitors from 14 countries) put in place following the attempted terrorist attack on December 25, 2009.
The security measures apply to all passengers on international flights directly to the U.S. worldwide. “Passengers traveling to the U.S. from international destinations may notice enhanced security and screening measures throughout the passenger check-in and boarding process which could include explosives trace detection, use of advanced imaging technology, canine teams or pat downs, among other security measures to keep air travel safe,” DHS said.
These measures supersede the list of countries of concern put in place as an emergency measure on January 3, 2010. “The enhanced security measures that are going into effect are tailored to intelligence about potential threats and are focused on all passengers from all countries," DHS said. "They are part of a dynamic, threat based process covering all passengers traveling to the United States while focusing security measures in a more effective and efficient manner to ensure the safety and security of all those traveling by air to the United States.”
“These new measures utilize real-time, threat-based intelligence along with multiple, random layers of security, both seen and unseen, to more effectively mitigate evolving terrorist threats,” said Secretary Napolitano. “The terrorist threat to global aviation is a shared challenge and ensuring aviation security is a shared responsibility. I commend our many partners around the world who have taken steps to increase their own security measures through deployment of new technology, enhanced information sharing and stronger standards to keep air travel safe.”
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