Yesterday, the US Department of Homeland Security announced new security measures, which will be required to be implemented by airports worldwide with nonstop flights to the United States. The previously discussed laptop ban is still thankfully off the table.

If airports abroad do not comply with the new rules, they could be banned from operating US bound flights. The new rules are vague but here's what we know so far:

  • Greater scrutiny of passengers entering the US
  • Enhanced screening of electronic devices
  • Better deployment of explosive detecting dogs
  • Encourage more airports to become US Pre-clearance Customs facilities (15 current facilities including Toronto, Dublin, Abu Dhabi)

There is no specific date for the new security measures, but I would expect more information in the next few weeks.

 

Goodbye to the Electronics Ban?

One piece of good news out of this situation is the Electronics Ban from 10 airports in the Middle East and North Africa, is likely to end. DHS Chief John Kelly stated that those airports currently under the ban will have a chance to implement new security measures. I'm very curious to hear what these security measure are, since Abu Dhabi's airport (AUH) is already a US Customs Pre-clearance facility.

 

a suitcase in an airport
Qatar electronics baggage claim at JFK (Qatar is under the electronics ban)

 

Bottom Line 

I am pleased to hear the dreaded electronics ban is not spreading and will hopefully be removed from airports worldwide in the near future. I'm glad to see DHS is taking a reasonable approach with the new security requirements. It will be interesting to see the reaction to airports worldwide once the specific requirements are issued.