There are increased security measures at the country’s two major airports.

They are aimed at enhancing the airports’ capacity for electronic trace detection on passengers and baggage.

This comes as both the operators of the Sangster and Norman Manley International Airports meet new security guidelines issued by the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The TSA issued the emergency advisory on June 30 to airlines operating flights into the United States that all personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone being carried onboard are to be screened specifically for explosives or tampering, before being allowed onboard the flight.

Any device which was tampered with or found suspect, is not to be allowed onboard.

Airlines were given 21 days in which to commence the implementation of the directive, to advise how they intended to carry out the directive, or to state their proposed mitigating measures.

This directive was based on reports that these devices were now being used for terrorist purposes by organisations hostile to the USA.

All airlines operating out of Jamaica into the USA, have been advised of the new measure by the TSA, and have indicated their respective positions to the TSA.

The Airports Authority of Jamaica says while the directive is specifically related to airlines; it recognises that any breach will reflect negatively on the country.

As a result the a-a-j has held discussions with both major international airports regarding their ability and need to increase the monitoring, assessment and screening of passengers and their checked and carry-on items, to eliminate the possibility of unapproved personal electronic devices being carried onboard the aircraft.

The authority says it notes that the changes may impact the time taken to process persons through the screening checkpoints, or in the event passengers are randomly selected for additional screening.

The authority says every effort is being made to provide a hassle free screening process, and passengers are asked to cooperate with airlines and screeners to facilitate these necessary security processes, which will ensure the safety and security of the travelling public.