ATLANTA – There are more items to add to the no-fly list.
Toner and ink cartridges that weigh more than a pound are now banned on all domestic and inbound international passenger flights, federal authorities announced on Monday. A prohibition on air cargo from Yemen has been expanded to also include air cargo from Somalia.
“No high risk cargo will be allowed on passenger aircraft,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said in a statement.
“The Administration is also working closely with industry and our international partners to expedite the receipt of cargo manifests for international flights to the United States prior to departure in order to identify and screen items based on risk and current intelligence,” Napolitano said. “We are also working with our international and private sector partners on the expansion of layered detections system including technology and other measures.”
On Oct. 29, federal officials announced a number of new security measures after a thwarted terror plot in which authorities discovered two “explosive packages” on U.S.-bound cargo flights. Although the plot involved cargo flights, authorities are taking no chances, and immediately stepped up security at airports nationwide.
Meanwhile, TSA Administrator John S. Pistole visited Yemen last week “to meet with government security officials and to assist in enhancing Yemen’s security procedures, which are necessary to eventually lift the ground halt on cargo,” Napolitano said. Pistole also spoke to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) AVSEC World Conference in Frankfurt, Germany.
“We face a determined enemy, one who modifies their actions looking for any opportunity to exploit security,” Pistole said in a news release. “Working closely with counterterrorism officials here and abroad, TSA will continue to use the best intelligence, leverage the latest technology, and remain vigilant to address evolving threats.”