DHS ADJUSTS THREAT LEVEL FROM RED TO
ORANGE FOR
IN-BOUND FLIGHTS FROM THE
UK
Threat Level Remains High; U.S. and
U.K. Align Threat Levels
WASHINGTON – Effective immediately, the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) announced an adjustment in the aviation threat level
from RED to ORANGE for flights from the United Kingdom to the United States.
There will not be any operational changes for domestic flights in the United
States. Thus, the U.S. threat level remains at ORANGE, or ‘High,’ for all
domestic and international flights. The ban on liquids and gels in carry on
baggage remains in full effect.
Tonight, the U.K.’s terrorism threat level was changed
from CRITICAL (an attack is expected imminently), to SEVERE (an attack is highly
likely).
“The security measures already taken have allowed us to
address an imminent threat of attack for flights between the United Kingdom and
the United States. Let me be clear: this does not mean the threat is
over. The investigation continues to follow all leads. In
particular, we are remaining vigilant for any signs of planning within the U.S.
or directed at Americans,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael
Chertoff. “We are maintaining a heightened level of security for United
Kingdom flights bound for the United States and have put in place added measures
for these flights even beyond the normal ORANGE procedures. The U.S. and
the U.K. are now essentially at parallel security levels in
aviation. Additionally, we are maintaining our heightened level of security
for all flights both domestically and internationally.”
While the threat level drops from RED to ORANGE on
United Kingdom flights bound to the United States, passengers can expect
enhanced measures to remain in place for these flights, including additional
restrictions on hand luggage and gate check inspections.
Domestically, U.S. travelers should expect to see an
increase in visibility and use of canine detection teams. Random
inspections of bags at departure gates will continue. Earlier today, the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced slight modifications to
its current security procedures, which can be viewed at www.tsa.gov.
DHS will continue to evaluate these security measures
and will further adjust as necessary to ensure the aviation system remains
secure. Travelers are urged to remain alert and vigilant and report
suspicious activity to authorities.
Contact individual airlines for guidance on airport
arrival times.
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