UN calls for stepped up security for planes and airports

The U.N. Security Council unanimously approved a resolution Thursday calling for stepped up screening and security checks at airports worldwide to “detect and deter terrorist attacks” on civil aviation.

The resolution calls on all countries to tighten security at airport buildings, share information about possible threats, and provide advance passenger lists to national authorities.

It is the first resolution solely focused on an issue of growing international concern: Attacks on airplanes and airports from Ukraine and Egypt to Brussels and Istanbul.

The resolution expresses the council’s concern “that terrorist groups continue to view civil aviation as an attractive target, with the aim of causing substantial loss of life, economic damage” and air links between countries.