Freight containing explosive substances seized at Dubai, East Midlands
Qatar Airways transported a package containing explosive substances on route from Sanaa, Yemen-Doha-Dubai. The package was seized in Dubai International Airport on 29-Oct-2010. A second package was found on a cargo aircraft at Britain's East Midlands airport. Both packages were addressed to synagogues in Chicago. [more - GCAA] [more - FedEx] [more - UPS]
Germany's Government announced (31-Oct-2010) it has ceased all air freight to Germany from Yemen as one package was trans-shipped via Cologne-Bonn Airport (Reuters, 31-Oct-2010).
Britain's Home Secretary Theresa May stated security aurrounding all international air cargo arriving in the UK was being reviewed, adding: "We are looking at the screening of freight. We will be looking at the processes we use. We'll be talking with the (aviation) industry about these issues" (Reuters, 01-Nov-2010). [more - UK Home Office] [more - BALPA]
Yemen's National Committee of Civil Aviation Security stated new inspection methods would be applied on all shipments leaving Yemen (KUNA, 31-Oct-2010). The interior ministry said it was tightening security measures on vital facilities nationwide, as well as increasing check points.
Airports Council International (ACI) said: "Recognising that terrorists will continue to explore and probe the current system for air cargo security, it is critical that airports be included in the discussion with governments, airlines and others to address the immediate threat and to develop strong and sustainable security regimes." (Cargonewsasia, 31-Oct-2010) [more - Airports Council International]
Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard stated: "There will be comprehensive, 100% screening of cargo coming from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha" (The Australian, 30-Oct-2010).
Canadian Government said the country is implementing increased security efforts following the discovery of the packages. (CityNews, 30-Oct-2010). Canadian Public Safety Minister Vic Toews and Transport Minister Chuck Strahl stated "That's why we've taken immediate action and are currently working with our counterparts both in Canada and internationally to implement all necessary safety and security measures as appropriate to protect Canadian travellers." [more - Canadain Government]
Finnish Security police SUPO stated it is not under any heightened threat and no instructions have been issued to officials regarding any terrorist threat (YLE, 30-Oct-2010). Finnair announced it is tightening security on cargo flights to the US, in line with instructions issued by US officials.
EgyptAir's head of security Essam Gamal stated airport police commenced (31-Oct-2010) the manual inspection of all incoming and outgoing packages aboard cargo aircraft, in particular those coming from Yemen (AP, 30-Oct-2010).
Los Angeles International Airport introduced new security procedures including more personal pat-downs as a precaution against possible terrorist threats (Xinhua, 30-Oct-2010). US Department of Homeland Security stated: "Passengers should continue to expect an unpredictable mix of security layers that include explosives trace detection, advanced imaging technology, canine teams and pat-downs, among others." [more - LAX/ONT]