France Steps Ups Airport Security at US Request

Local Editor

France has joined other nations in bolstering security at its airports in line with a US request to enhance screening for direct US flights, aviation officials said on Friday.

A DGAC spokesman said, "We cannot divulge the added measures" that are being taken.

Officials recommended passengers catching flights to the United States get to the airport early to undergo the additional screening.

On Thursday, Britain and Belgium announced more rigorous screening at their airports. Passengers going through London's Heathrow airport reported enhanced screening of footwear and electronic items they were carrying into the cabin.

Meanwhile, US authorities have not publicly given a reason for their alarm, but it comes amid fears that hundreds of extremists travelling from Europe to fight in the Middle East could pose a security risk on their return.

There are also concerns that the extremist group al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula [AQAP] has developed hard-to-detect bombs designed to get past previous airport screening techniques.

The added security will notably be felt at the Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports outside Paris, but also in Nice and Marseille in the south of France. Charles de Gaulle is one of the world's busiest international hubs, with peak activity now, over the European summer vacation period.

Airports in far-flung French territories such as Tahiti, Martinique and Guadeloupe will also be affected by the new security measures.

Sources: News Agencies, Edited by website team