The airline industry could be forced to construct an extra layer of cockpit security on existing commercial planes under new proposals from a group of lawmakers.
Four US representatives contend there is still potential for 9/11 style hijackings and want to force the industry to add a secondary security door to cockpits.
Congress agreed a requirement for extra cockpit security for new planes last year but the new bill would expand this to all current operating aircraft.
It would mean the installation of a secondary barrier between the primary cockpit door and the cabin for extra protection when a pilot has to leave the cockpit for a bathroom break.
The bill has been put forward by Democrats Andre Carson and Josh Gottheimer, and Republicans Brian Fitzpatrick and Peter King.
It is named the Saracini Enhanced Aviation Safety Act after one of the pilots killed in the 9/11 attacks.
It is supported by Saracini’s widow.
."It is unacceptable that, more than 17 years after terrorists breached the cockpit of my husband’s airplane on September 11, 2001, our skies are still susceptible to repeat this act of terrorism," Ellen Saracini said.
"It is my mission to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect the flight deck aboard our nation’s airliners."
