The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued an
advisory stating that the security operation at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino Airport
does not meet international standards.
As a result, the department is requiring airlines that issue
tickets between the U.S. and Manila to notify passengers in writing of that
determination.
Only Philippines Airlines flies nonstop between Manila and
the U.S., with service to New York JFK. But United and Delta also operate out
of Manila, with United flying to the U.S. territory of Guam as well as the tiny
Micronesian nation of Palau, and Delta flying Manila-Tokyo Narita.
In a statement Tuesday, Delta said that it works alongside
TSA to constantly assess security practices.
"Delta has established a multi-layered security program in
[Manila] to mitigate potential risks to the operation," the carrier said.
DHS said that a team of TSA security experts determined
that Manila's airport falls short of standards set by the International Civil
Aviation Authority (ICAO), which is the aviation arm of the United Nations.