Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly has unveiled enhanced security measures for foreign flights arriving in the United States in what officials said was a move to prevent an expansion in-cabin ban on laptops and other large electronic devices.
"Inaction is not an option," Kelly said, saying he believes airlines will comply with the new screening. But he said the measures are not the last step to tighten security.
Officials are requiring enhanced screening of personal electronic devices, passengers and explosive detection for the roughly 2000 commercial flights arriving daily in the United States from 280 airports in 105 countries.
The decision not to impose new restrictions on laptops is a boost to US airlines, which have worried that an expansion of the ban to Europe or other locations could cause significant logistical problems and deter some travel. Airlines that failed to satisfy new security requirements could still face future in-cabin electronics restrictions, Kelly said.
European and US officials told Reuters that airlines have 21 days to put in place increased explosive screening and have 120 days to comply with other security measures, including enhanced screening of airline passengers.
The United States imposed restrictions on laptops in March on flights originating at 10 airports in eight countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Turkey. They came amid fears that a concealed bomb could be installed in electronic devices taken aboard aircraft. Britain quickly followed suit with a similar set of restrictions.
Homeland security officials said Wednesday that those 10 airports can get off the list if they meet the new security requirements.
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