DHS implements first stage of new aviation security measures

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Thursday that it has successfully implemented the first stage of new aviation security measures announced last month by DHS Secretary John Kelly.

A DHS official said the first phase of the new measures has been applied to more than 280 last-point-of-departure airports throughout the world, as well as 180 airlines.

“The quick and decisive action taken by airlines, nations and stakeholders are a testament to our shared commitment to raising the bar on global aviation security,” said DHS press secretary David Lapan. 

“Airlines were able to implement the necessary enhanced security measures because of the close coordination and extensive communication between aviation partners and DHS/TSA. As we continue to secure global aviation in the coming weeks and months, this communication and partnership between the private sector and the U.S. government will be imperative.”

Kelly, in a June speech, announced the new measures for all international flights coming into the United States, describing an “extensive screen process” that would take the place of a proposed laptop ban.

“It is time that we raise the global baseline of aviation security. We cannot play international whack-a-mole with each new threat,” Kelly said at the time.

Lapan said while DHS and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) outlined the regulations, the instructions allow airlines to apply the measures according to their “operations and customer service goals.”