New security measures on inbound flights to the U.S. must be
put into place by Thursday.
The measures are part of a Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) initiative launched in June that led to the end of the ban on onboard
laptops and tablets on U.S.-bound flights from 10 airports.
"These measures, both seen and unseen, include enhanced
screening of passengers and electronic devices as well as heightened security
standards for aircraft and airports," DHS said in a statement.
The department has not been specific on what the measures
will entail, but airlines told Reuters that they could include short security interviews
with passengers. The DHS has also said that travelers at some airports could
notice an enhanced canine presence. The measures will impact approximately
2,100 flights per day departing from 280 airports on 180 airlines in 105
countries.
The trade groups IATA and Airlines for America both praised
the TSA for their flexibility in working with airlines on implementing the new
measures.
"Over the longer term there needs to be a greater focus
on mutual recognition of states' measures and more of a risk-based approach
when choosing locations for enhanced security measures," IATA spokesman
Perry Flint said in an email.
The first phase of the new DHS initiative was completed in
late July, when airlines were required to expand explosive trace testing, Reuters
said.