US issues strict cargo screening order for 6 Mideast airlines

US-bound flights of six Middle Eastern carriers will have to undergo an enhanced cargo screening program, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said in a recent statement.

The emergency order was issued to combat “persistent threats to aviation,” the statement added.

The airlines and airports impacted by the new order are Egypt Air operating out of Cairo International Airport, Royal Jordanian operating out of Queen Alia International Airport, Saudia operating out of King Abdul-Aziz International Airport and King Khalid International Airport, Qatar Airways operating out of Doha International Airport, and Emirates and Etihad operating out of Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport. 

Under the measures, the US government requires all cargo originating from the above airports to be screened and secured under Air Cargo Advance Screening protocols.

However, airlines around the world are already applying most of the requirements on a voluntary basis, the TSA said.