New Zealand could be one of the first countries to experience heightened security for flights into the United States, an aviation analyst says.
The US government is urging major airports to beef up security, citing fears that al-Qaeda extremists in Syria and Yemen are developing bombs that could be smuggled onto planes, avoiding detection by current airport screening systems.
The Department of Homeland Security says it will put "enhanced security measures" in place on unspecified direct flights to the US.
Captain Jim Tilmon, a former pilot for American Airlines, told Radio New Zealand on Thursday the first airports to heighten security will be the most popular departure points for the US.
"Anything out of your country, anything out of Australia, out of Europe - you can rest assured that they'll be high on the list to get the new approach. And they can do that at the speed of light."
Officials have told Reuters on condition of anonymity that European airports, including Britain, would be taking the extra precautions.
American law enforcement and security officials say US and European authorities are discussing measures that could include extra scrutiny of US-bound passengers' electronics and footwear, and installation of additional bomb-detection machines.
"Enhanced security measures" will be put place on unspecified direct flights to the US. Photo: AFP / Getty Images North America
