Heightened security worldwide
Air travelers worldwide faced tightened security on Sunday as authorities ramped up efforts to prevent attacks in the wake of a failed bid to blow up an airplane over the United States. Amsterdam-Schipol airport was also investigation how Abdulmutallab could smuggle on board explosives that he allegedly tried to detonate as the flight approached Detroit. The United States quickly asked airlines worldwide to tighten security and airport authorities said they were complying with extra screening and strict baggage limits that heaped hours on to check-in times.
Within the United States, the department of Homeland Security tightened security checks on all domestic and international flights. Extra measures, including frisking of passengers and searching hand baggage came into force on Saturday morning in the Netherlands. Take a look at the security measures undertaken by the following countries -
Singapore: Singapore introduced strict new rules for flights to the United States. One hour before the plane lands at a United States airport, all passengers must be seated, and should not have any baggage near them or be covered with any blanket. The in-flight entertainment system would also be turned off.
Hong Kong: Hong Kong carried Cathay Pacific said it was banning US-bound passengers from using cabin phones while Korean Air banned passengers from using phones or the Internet during US-bound flights.
Japan: Japan urged passengers to allow more time at the airport because tightened security would lead to delays.
Berlin: In Berlin, police said they were steeping up security at airports, particularly Frankfurt, Europe’s third-biggest hub.
London: In London, a British airways spokesman said new rules were coming into force, including additional screening of all US-bound passengers and hand luggage before they board their flights.
Paris: At Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport passengers were told that all hand baggage had to be checked into the hold, except for women’s handbags. Items for the flight had to be put into special plastic bags and passengers frisked again just before boarding when hand luggage was reexamined.
