KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) says the islands two international airports will be enhancing their capacity for electronic trace detection on travellers and baggage, following recent directives from the United States regarding personal electronic devices (PEDs).

In a statement this afternoon, AAJ said, while the directive from the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is specifically related to airlines, it recognises that any breach will reflect negatively on the country.

On June 30, TSA issued an emergency advisory to airlines operating flights into the United States that all PEDs larger than a cell phone being carried onboard are to be screened specifically for explosives or tampering, before being allowed onboard the flight.

“All airlines operating out of Jamaica into the USA, whether from the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston or the Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay, have been advised of the new measure by the TSA, and subsequently, have indicated their respective positions to the TSA,” AAJ said.

The authority further outlined that discussions have been held with both major international airports regarding their ability and need to increase the monitoring, assessment and screening of passengers and their checked and carry-on items, to eliminate the possibility of unapproved PEDs being carried onboard the aircraft.

AAJ also noted that there may be an impact on the time taken to process travellers through the screening checkpoints, or in the event passengers are randomly selected for additional screening.

“Every effort is therefore being made to provide a hassle free screening process, and as such, we ask that passengers cooperate with airlines and screeners to facilitate these necessary security processes, which will ensure the safety and security of the travelling public,” AAJ assured.