New security measures coming for airports

Jamaican officials are bracing for new changes to airport security by American officials that require some overseas airports with direct flights to the United States (US) to intensify screening of electronic devices.

The US announced the new security measures last week, apparently in response to a terror threat, but gave no details.

Senior director of operations at the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ), Commander John McFarlane, said local authorities had not yet received any specific directives on the requirements of the new changes.

He said as soon as the AAJ gets the directives, Jamaica will take steps to become compliant.

In a statement yesterday, US transport officials said passengers could be asked to switch on electronic devices, and those that fail to power up would not be allowed on board.

The US does not directly control security at overseas airports. However, airlines and airports are obliged to meet security standards set by the US Transportation Security Administration in order to carry on operating non-stop flights.