US imposes new security protocols on cargo flights from Egypt and four other countries: The US Transportation Security Administration issued an emergency order on Monday that requires new security screening for cargo on flights from five Middle East countries, including Egypt, the Associated Press reports. Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE were also named in the order; the countries were identified because of “demonstrated intent by terrorists groups to attack aviation from them,” the TSA statement said. The TSA said most of the requirements of the emergency order are already being carried out voluntarily by airlines in some countries, stopping short of identifying which. National carriers from these countries, including EgyptAir, and their home airports will be affected by the order. All cargo originating from those airports will have to be screened and secured under Air Cargo Advance Screening protocols. Carriers must submit advance air cargo data to US authorities.

The order had caused a bit of confusion when Reuters initially reported that the US had banned cargo on flights from Cairo International Airport to the US. The Civil Aviation Ministry had put out a statement saying that reports of a ban were inaccurate.

Meanwhile, a Russian delegation arrived yesterday to inspect security protocols at Cairo International ahead of permitting direct flights from Moscow, according to Sputnik Arabic which cited sources at the airport. The three-day inspection will focus on Terminal 2, which will host Russian airline Aeroflot’s flights, the sources added. However, sources from the Civil Aviation Ministry tell Al Mal that the delegation was merely here to iron out final procedures before allowing flights and will not involve a security check.