U.S., U.K. restrict Egyptian air cargo after Metrojet crash

Since the Oct. 31 crash of Metrojet flight 9268, which is believed to have been ripped apart by a bomb, killing all 224 people on the aircraft, air cargo shipments to the United States and the United Kingdom ex-Egypt are being restricted due to safety concerns.

Since the crash, which appears to have been a terrorist act committed by ISIL, the United States has tightened regulations on airborne imports from Egypt. The U.S. National Security Administration (NSA) cited possible security lapses that may have allowed someone to plant a bomb on the aircraft at the Sharm el-Sheikh airport, where the flight originated, as the reason for the restrictions. EgyptAir was told to cease carrying belly cargo on flights to London or to U.S. destinations, and that the NSA had banned belly cargo on flights to the U.S. from Egypt. There are no direct flights to the U.S. from Sharm el-Sheikh.

Under the new rules, carriers flying cargo bound for the United States from Egypt must now be quarantined for 48 hours upon arrival and before transits on domestic flights from local airports. Gamal Moharam, head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, said the measure could possibly apply to imports from other countries as well, given the recent spate of terrorist acts. Moharam urged EgyptAir to adopt similar measures with imports coming through Egypt’s airports. He said the move will not affect exports, especially non-perishable goods.

According to a report from the Egyptian Independent, exporters in Egypt have had mixed reactions to the additional restrictions. Some exporters found the decision “normal” in light of the airliner tragedy, as well as recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Mali, the latter of which killed six An-124 crew members working for Volga-Dnepr Airlines, and at least 14 others.  However, others said the restrictions are a form of economic pressure and demand to see similar security measures placed on imports arriving in Egypt’s ports.

In a statement, Secretary Jeh Johnson with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said that he and Transportation Security Administrator Peter Neffenger have “identified a series of interim, precautionary enhancements to aviation security” with respect to flights coming to the U.S. from “certain foreign airports” in the region. The statement said the enhancements would provide an additional layer of security for airlines and that the enhancements would be discussed with relevant foreign governments, cargo carriers and passenger airlines.

The enhancements, while not explained in detail, include expanded screening to items being placed on aircraft, airport assessments and other offers of assistance to foreign airports related to security.