TSA Might Cut Screening at Small and Medium Airports: CNN

The TSA is considering removing security screening from small and medium airports, according to documents obtained by CNN and agency officials. TSA internal documents say removing security screenings from airports that serve planes with up to 60 seats could have a “small (non-zero) undesirable increase in risk related to additional adversary opportunity.” The change could save up to $115 million each year, according to the documents. Under the proposed plan, people and luggage traveling on connecting flights would go through security upon arrival at larger airports. This would mark a shift from increased TSA activities since the 9/11 attacks. TSA officials who spoke to CNN anonymously expressed concern about the plan, but a TSA spokesman said this is a measure they evaluate every year. CNN terrorism analyst Paul Cruickshank also expressed concern. “Al Qaeda and ISIS still regard aviation as a priority target—that includes aircraft where you have fewer than 60 people on board,” he said. About 10,000 passengers, less than 0.5 percent of all people who fly, would be affected each day.