US asks foreign airports to tighten security
The US has ordered tighter security at some foreign airports offering direct flights to the United States, the Homeland Security secretary said.
Intelligence officials are concerned about new al-Qaeda efforts to produce a bomb that would go undetected through airport security, one counter-terrorism official told The Associated Press.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorised to discuss the matter publicly by name.
American intelligence has picked up indications that bomb makers from al-Qaeda's Yemen affiliate have travelled to Syria to link up with the al-Qaeda affiliate there.
Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said he directed the Transportation Security Administration to put more security measures in place at some foreign airports that have non-stop flights to the US.
Americans and others from the West have travelled to Syria over the past year to join al-Nusra Front's fight against the Syrian government.
The fear is that one of the many US or Western European passport holders who have travelled to Syria to fight could carry such a bomb onto an American plane.
Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Yemen, called al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, has long been fixated on bringing down aeroplanes with hidden explosives.
It was behind failed and thwarted plots involving suicide bombers with explosives designed to hide inside underwear and explosives hidden inside printer cartridges shipped on cargo planes.
The counter-terrorism official declined to describe the bomb, but officials in the past have raised concerns about explosives being surgically implanted.
The Homeland Security Department would not say whether the call for enhanced security was in response to a specific threat.
The US shared "recent and relevant" information with foreign allies, Johnson said.
Airport security is also being increased at British airports.
The Department for Transport says the extra measures – which have not been disclosed – are not expected to cause "significant disruption" to passengers and notes that the official UK threat status remains unchanged.
"The UK Government keeps aviation security under constant review in conjunction with international partners and the aviation industry," a DfT spokesman said.
"We have taken the decision to step up some of our aviation security measures. For obvious reasons we will not be commenting in detail on those changes.
"The safety and security of the public is our paramount concern. The UK has some of the most robust aviation security measures and we will continue to take all the steps necessary to ensure that public safety is maintained."
Prime Minister David Cameron's official spokesman said: "There are terror organisations around the world that seek to do the UK, its citizens, citizens of many other countries including our Western allies, harm.
"We need to always be vigilant to situations that can develop."
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
airlines al-qaeda security united statesLatest News
Avalon Airport champions low cost rail connection to serve Victorian travellers and workers
Melbourne Avalon Airport has proposed an innovative, cost-effective rail connection to bolster the state’s transportation network. In response to potential delays with the Tullamarine Airport rail link, Tony Brun, the CEO of Melbourne Avalon Airport emphasised its readiness to work alongside the State Government on this essential infrastructure project. “With Melbourne Avalon Airport serving 80 […]
2024 Green Revolution Summit to bring travel heavyweights into green fuel discussion
Tourism, transport and aviation leaders will gather in Sydney next week to discuss the urgent need to develop a local ‘green fuel’ sector and other sustainability challenges. The Tourism & Transport Forum’s 2024 Green Revolution Summit, themed ‘Innovate. Sustain. Advance’, will take place on 16 May at ICC Sydney. Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy […]
Wendy Wu Tours first China mega-famil for 100 travel agents will be full of Wow!
Wendy Wu Tours will run its first mega-famil for 100 travel agents to China this month, as interest in the destination steadily increases. The group will be made up of agents from across Australia, New Zealand and the UK will visit Zhangjiajie, the backdrop for the film Avatar. Delegates will “be treated like royalty every […]
Oaks Hotels & Resorts gets behind Netball’s Suncorp Super League
So Netball Australia draws its moral line somewhere between Gina Rinehart and Oaks Hotels & Resorts.
Tourism Australia announces appointment of Regional General Manager United Kingdom
Tourism Australia has announced the appointment of Andrew Boxall to the role of Regional General Manager United Kingdom and Northern Europe. With more than 25 years of tourism industry experience, Andrew has worked internationally across the Middle East, India, Europe and the UK. More recently he was Flight Centre Travel Group’s executive general manager for […]
Chef Alessandro Pavoni Unveils Cibaria at Manly Pacific MGallery Collection
Renowned Chef Alessandro Pavoni will introduce Cibaria Manly – a relaxed Italian all day dining destination set against a beachside backdrop – to the Manly Pacific MGallery Collection, The chef, best known for his culinary success at Ormeggio at the Spit and a’Mare, envisions Cibaria as a European-styled culinary haven where socialising seamlessly transitions from […]
Hotel Review: Atlantis The Royal – Stunning in every sense
Atlantis Dubai invited Travel Weekly to experience the newly launched luxury resort, Atlantis The Royal, as well as Dubai’s first and ultimate entertainment resort, Atlantis The Palm. The experiences, restaurants and beach clubs at both resorts made up a series of meticulously crafted luxury moments for which Dubai is renowned. From fire-breathing fountains to culinary […]
Flight Centre’s Big Red Sale starts today
Flight Centre’s biggest sale has just landed giving Aussies the chance to lock in more affordable holidays close to home and overseas with saving of up to 50 per cent. The Big Red Sale starts today, 9 May, and runs until 5 June 2024. Flight Centre Global Managing Director Andrew Stark said that after the […]
Aurora Expeditions announces savings for solo travellers
Aurora Expeditions has today announced savings for solo travellers thinking of going north for the summer. Adventurous solo travellers can take advantage of no solo supplements, enjoying a guaranteed private cabin on select departures during Aurora’s Arctic 2024 season with plenty of options available on unforgettable voyages visiting Greenland, Svalbard, Northwest Passage, Iceland and more. […]
Etihad and Tourism officials launch free Abu Dhabi Stopover
Etihad Airways and the UAE’s Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi have announced the launch of Abu Dhabi Stopover which invites guests flying through to turn their stopover into a free hotel stay and holiday. The Abu Dhabi Stopover, exclusive to Etihad Airways, will enable passengers to enjoy a convenient free stay in […]
New MSC Australia boss talks hot topics for local cruisers, including the Caribbean
New MSC Australia boss, Antonio Paradiso, spills the Caribbeans on where he expects Aussie cruisers will go next.
Contiki’s latest campaign inspires travellers to engage with the world around them
Hands off! Influencers invited on holiday and told not to post anything. We can assure you they're back at it now.
Aussies a hit on the conference floor for IPW 2024
Diana Ross on opening night, Keanu's Dogstar band and a dozen lobster rolls. All in a week's work at IPW 2024.
Disney excited about prospects of cruise business as Disney Treasure nears completion
Disney's booming cruising business is set to knock Disneyland experiences out of the park.
Scoot’s first E190-E2 flights take off between Krabi and Hat Yai
When flying's a pitch. Airline lite Scoot offers a standard seat pitch of 29” on its new 112-seater.
Premium hotel operator ERDI launches it’s own academy in heart of Melbourne
ERDI expects to be shaken not stirred with the launch of its ERDI Academy in its Melbourne hotels.
Tropical North Queensland action-packed events calendar for adventure enthusiasts
Sporting enthusiasts and adventure seekers are gearing up for an action-packed year in Tropical North Queensland, with a lineup of sports events and adrenaline-pumping experiences set to take centre stage in 2024. Leading the charge is the highly-anticipated return of the Crankworx World Tour ‘Paradise Edition’ to Cairns from 22-26 May 2024. The mountain biking […]
Singapore Airlines Group first to receive SAF from Neste as AU/NZ play catchup
Singapore leaving many in their green dust. Here in Australia, we're hoping for a tortoise and the hare type outcome
Qantas Red Tail sale discounts more than 200,000 fares
Qantas marketers forever thankful to the team who chose the red and white colours. How else would they name a sale!
Bannisters by the Sea unveils retreat style package for new mothers
Three hours in the car with a newborn from Sydney might be tough, but trust us, it'll be worth it when you arrive.
Nothing Bonza can do to prevent loss of planes, ACCC concerned by latest aviation developments
Going, going, gone. It seems...
APT offers destination incentives to enjoy the Best of Asia
Whether its a cocktail by the beach or a hike through the mountains, APT has you covered. You'll find us at the beach!
Disney Days returns with Inside Out 2 showing in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland
Time is running out for agents to register their Expression of Interest to an exclusive screening of the much-anticipated Disney and Pixar film, Inside Out 2, hosted by Disney Destinations Australia/New Zealand team and partner United Airlines. Places are limited and applications must be in by 17 May. In addition to the screening of the […]
Get ready to roll the marketing dice with Susan Coghill: Travel DAZE EXEC 2024
It's heating up in Cairns and we're not talking about the weather! Get ready for a marketing masterclass with Susan.
Aranui Cruises slashes prices with No Single Supplement and Half Price offers
French Polynesian cargo cruise line Aranui Cruises is slashing thousands off its 2025 Austral and Marquesas Islands cruises with an autumn sale offering 50 per cent off the second guest in a twin share room and no single supplement for solo travellers. On sale until June 21, 2024, Aranui’s 12-day roundtrip voyage from Papeete to […]
Cebu Pacific campaign aims to boost Aussie trips to the Philippines
Cebu Pacific's bouncy singalong ad campaign 'Fly to Happy, Fly to the Philippines’ aims to get more bums on seats.
Tauck’s new river and small ship ocean cruises, plus increased Seine capacity
Tauck adding itineraries like it's going out of fashion, which cruising certainly isn't.
Railbookers and La Dolce Vita Orient Express partner up for new luxury Italian itineraries
Fancy a luxurious trip through Italy? Who are we kidding, we know you do. Start your daydream here.
Luxury Travel Collection’s Nikki Glading spills all on member network perks: Travel Weekly TV
We urge you to enjoy this in true LTC style and lift a glass of bubbles with lunch today.
Auckland’s new domestic terminal comes with all the modern gadgets
We're not talking about drones or VR goggles, but these updates will change the game in Auckland.
Air New Zealand crew sign up for Sign Language Week
Have you signed up for Sign Language Week? Let this be your sign to do so!
Holland America Line gives one lucky winner the Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Experience
There's only one winner, so it's sort of like the Hunger Games of cruise prizes... but no one gets hurt.
TAG’s Byron Carr excited about K-Pop induced Asia expansion
Carr to go all Gangnam Style with TAG's Asian expansion
CATO celebrates 25 years with anniversary dinner
CATO's putting on a fancy spread to celebrate 25 years as other 25 year olds celebrate their HECS debt being cut.
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
Two days in Fiji! If you didn't attend this conference we're sure you've got FOMO.
Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents
World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]