Washington: According to a report on Wednesday, US authorities are thinking about eliminating passenger screening at small and mid-size airports all over the country. The terrorism experts skeptical of the plan.

After the September 11, 2001 attacks, the government created “The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and is now looking at a proposal to do without screening at more than 150 airports serving aircraft with 60 seats or fewer as per the agency officials and documents cited by CNN.

The screening, however, will be done at higher-volume airports for travelers and luggage.

TSA’s assistant administrator for public affairs, Michael Bilello said while reacting to the report, “there has been no decision to eliminate passenger screening at any federalized US airport,” but did not say the issue was not under consideration.

“Every year as part of the federal budget process TSA is asked to discuss potential operational efficiencies — this year is no different,” the statement said.

“Any potential operational changes to better allocate limited taxpayer resources are simply part of predecisional discussions and deliberations and would not take place without a risk assessment to ensure the security of the aviation system.”

According to the internal memos reported by CNN, the move could save USD 115 million per year which could be used to boost security at larger airports, where risks are deemed to be much greater.

But it would also carry a “small (non-zero) undesirable increase in risk related to additional adversary opportunity,” a document said.

As per CNN’s terrorism analyst Paul Cruikshank, militant groups like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group “still regard aviation as a priority target — that includes aircraft where you have fewer than 60 people on board.”

TSA officials who wanted to remain anonymous have expressed serious concern, the network said.

Since the TSA’s inception in 2001, the move would mark a reversal of a trend toward enhanced security measures.

Travelers would be asked to remove their material from the bags they are carrying especially which is hard to read by X-rays which includes foods items, the agency said on April.

In a move to curb suspicious attempts by the terrorists, the US banned laptops and larger electronics from cabins on flights from certain Middle East hubs.

The 9/11 incident was the turning point in the US history which changed the security structure all over the country including airspace and airline security at airports.

You May Also Read: WhatsApp Opens Up Business API Along With Shortcut For Facebook Ads