Mideast airline cargo faces scrutiny

U.S. demands more info amid terror plot concerns.

WASHINGTON – Six passenger airlines that fly to the U.S. from five Middle East countries must start providing more information about cargo aboard their planes because of concerns about terrorist plots, federal security officials announced Monday.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection developed the additional requirements because of persistent threats to aviation from the five countries. They are Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.

“The continued threat to commercial aviation calls for enhanced screening and security to protect international air travel direct to the United States,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said.

The airlines were notified during the weekend about the additional requirements because they sometimes carry cargo in the bellies of their passenger planes:

❚ EgyptAir flying out of Cairo International Airport.

❚ Royal Jordanian flying out of Queen Alia International Airport.

❚ Saudia, also known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, flying out of King Abdulaziz International Airport and King Khalid International Airport.

❚ Qatar Airways flying out of Doha.

❚ Etihad Airways flying out of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

❚ Emirates flying out of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

These countries and airlines also were among the first targeted for extra security under President Trump’s travel ban and a laptop ban on electronics larger than cellphones.