Auckland Airport security beefed up

Security has been beefed up on flights from New Zealand to the United States, after a Nigerian man allegedly tried to destroy a plane flying from Amsterdam to Detroit on Christmas Day.

Preliminary measures were introduced at airports last night, including more rigorous luggage searches and the use of sniffer dogs following a request from American transport authorities.

Full body searches are likely and screens are being erected at Auckland International Airport so that US-bound passengers can be isolated from other travellers. The moves follow similar steps in Europe.

Aviation Security Service general manager Mark Everitt says passengers will also be subjected to more intensive physical searches of cabin baggage. Discussions are being held to consider what further measures are needed. The changes only apply to Auckland Airport.

The man accused of trying to blow up the Detroit flight has been charged.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab had an explosive strapped to his body and suffered extensive burns. He was overpowered by passengers and crew. Abdulmutallab has possible links to al Qaeda militants.

It is believed he may be the son of a prominent Nigerian banker.

- NEWSTALK ZB