French aircraft allowed to depart despite security concerns

Airline Industry Information, Feb 9, 2004

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

French officials reportedly allowed an aircraft to depart for the US even though US authorities had asked for the flight to be held due to security concerns.

The incident in December 2003 - disclosed by the Homeland Security Undersecretary - was said to be the result of a communication breakdown. The National Targeting Center in Virginia had reportedly worked for 90 minutes to verify the backgrounds of everyone onboard the flight but still had questions about two or three passengers when they learnt the aircraft had departed.

The communication error has helped to bring about changes in the way US officials talk to foreign governments during terror threats, The Associated Press reported.

((Comments on this story may be sent to aii.feedback@m2.com))