U.S. Air Travel Security Alert Issued to Deter Possible Attacks

WASHINGTON — Airports and airlines were tightening security Wednesday following an order by federal authorities concerned about possible terror attacks against the United States.

Transportation Secretary Federico Pena said Wednesday that no specific threats have been made but “it is prudent to ensure that these additional measures are in place to prevent or deter possible criminal or terrorist acts.”

It was the first nationwide security alert since the 1991 Persian Gulf War, Transportation Department spokesman Bill Mosley said.

The State Department suggested that the alert was related to fears of domestic attacks rather than foreign extremists.

Transportation Department officials declined to discuss the reasons behind the heightened security alert, but Pena said the increase in security was based on information provided by federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

The Washington Post listed Pope John Paul II’s visit to the United States in October as a possible focus for the security alert.

Air Transport Assn. spokesman Chris Chiames said there was no reason for passengers to panic and expressed concern that the Federal Aviation Administration directive being distributed to airports, airlines and federal security forces might needlessly scare travelers.

“No specific threat against U.S. airlines or U.S. airports has been communicated to the industry through the FAA,” Chiames told a news conference. He said many of the increased security measures will not be noticed by travelers, although the association has asked passengers to cooperate to help prevent airport delays during the peak summer travel season.

Other transportation industries are also being asked to review their security measures, Pena said.