FAA issues new security directive to US airlines, airports

The Federal Aviation Authority said it has issued a new security directive to airlines and airport authorities in the wake of Saturday's suicide bomb scare.

The directive, issued late yesterday, "requires airports and airlines to take specific action" to step up security for aviation, said FAA spokeswoman Laura Brown.

"I can't tell you what those actions are. Some would be visible to passengers, some would not be," she said.

The measure is mandatory for US airlines and airports, but also is issued to foreign carriers and airport authorities in an advisory capacity, Brown said.