21 December 1999

FAA Orders Heightened State of Airport Security

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered a heightened state of security at the nation's airports and abroad to counter possible terrorist threats, the agency says.

The FAA said December 20 that after the arrest of an Algerian-born man at Port Angeles, Washington December 14 with bomb making materials it was redoubling efforts to ensure that the current aviation security program performs effectively.

"More FAA-certified K-9 explosives detection teams and uniformed police will be patrolling the airports, both inside and out," the FAA said. A K-9 explosives detection team consists of a uniformed officer and a specially trained dog that sniffs out potential explosives.

Additionally, the FAA said passengers may notice the additional use of trace explosive detector units at security checkpoints.

"Generally, the FAA does not discuss threat levels or changes in security procedures since to do so would undermine the overall effectiveness of the security program and heighten the potential risk to the public," the FAA said. "However, travelers at our nation's airports may notice some of the more visible changes."

In addition to the FAA announcement, the U.S. Department of State December 21 issued a new worldwide caution statement, saying there is a high potential that terrorists may be planning to conduct attacks against official and non-official Americans, especially those abroad, during the New Year period.

Following is the text of the FAA announcement:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Washington, D.C.
December 20, 1999

Washington -- The FAA has raised the domestic baseline for civil aviation security in this country since the Gulf War, particularly beginning in 1996 based on the recommendations of the White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security. Because of these changes, the agency has a higher degree of confidence in the more stringent security measures that are performed every day. The FAA will continue to monitor the current situation in consultation with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to see if any further changes in security are necessary.

However, in light of the recent arrest at Port Angeles, Washington, the FAA is redoubling its efforts -- and asking members of the aviation industry to redouble theirs -- to ensure that the current improved measures are performed well, both in the United States and in many locations overseas, where the measures have for some time been higher in response to different threat conditions.

Generally, the FAA does not discuss threat levels or changes in security procedures since to do so would undermine the overall effectiveness of the security program and heighten the potential risk to the public. However, travelers at our nation's airports may notice some of the more visible changes.

More FAA-certified K-9 explosives detection teams and uniformed police will be patrolling the airports, both inside and out. Passengers going through the security checkpoints may notice the additional use of trace explosives detector units. Those who travel to the airport in anything other than public transportation should be aware that local parking restrictions are being strictly enforced. In addition, more FAA inspectors will be active at U.S. airports to help monitor security operations.

All passengers are encouraged to be alert for any suspicious, unattended bags, parcels or other items, and report them immediately to airport personnel. Passengers can avoid inconvenience by not gif"t-wrapping items they are taking with them. While the FAA does not expect the increased security to cause delays, travelers should check in for their flights at least one hour early for domestic flights and two hours early for international flights.