| Threat alert raised to red for UK flights to U.S. |
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(Toronto, August 11, 2006)… The U.S. has raised the alert level to red (severe) for all flights leaving the UK for the U.S. This change follows the arrests of several British nationals earlier this week in relation to a plot to detonate explosives on multiple aircraft flying from the UK to the U.S.
Additional security measures have been implemented at U.S. airports and screening checkpoints and three UK airports in the London area: Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted. As a result, flights were canceled or delayed at airports across Europe and the United States.
At this time, cargo from the UK to Canada is moving on a limited capacity. However, Universal Logistics' weekly consolidation from the UK remains unchanged and is expected to depart as scheduled.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have increased enforcement efforts in international arrival areas, using risk-based targeting and deploying special response teams including baggage and aircraft search teams, baggage x-ray equipment, specially trained canine units, and explosive detection technology. These efforts will complement domestic actions taken by the Transportation Security Administration.
Although there has been no direct threat to flights arriving in Canada, the severe delays in the UK have affected all flights bound for North America.
Canada will maintain the following security measures until further notice:
- Effective immediately and for all flights to and from the UK and the US, liquids or gels in containers of any size cannot be brought onboard by passengers; this includes liquids or gels in carry-on baggage
- Effective 12 p.m. EST and for all other flights, including Canadian domestic flights, liquids or gels in containers of any size are not permitted to be brought onboard by passengers; this includes liquids or gels in carry-on baggage.
Liquids or gels in containers of any size include: all beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency.
Passengers may bring aboard baby formula, breast milk, or juice if a baby or small child is travelling. Prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket, insulin and essential other non-prescription medicines are allowed. Passengers should pack liquids or gels in checked baggage.
For more information, please call (905) 676-2763, Tony Darmanin, Manager - Airfreight Services. |
