By CNN Staff
WASHINGTON (CNN) — The U.S. government is temporarily delaying the implementation of a rule that would again permit passengers to carry small knives on commercial flights three days before it was to have taken effect.
The Transportation Security Administration said on Monday it would consider additional input from a group that includes aviation-related interests and law enforcement experts before putting the new regulation into effect.
Airline passengers had been cleared to carrying knives with small blades beginning on Thursday. The TSA did not give a new date for activating the rule in an agency statement.
The TSA decided earlier this year to roll back the restriction, which was imposed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001.
Over the past decade, a range of security changes on and off aircraft have reduced the hijacking threat, experts say. In addition, priorities have changed, and the emphasis now is on bomb detection.
The delay will enable security planners to weigh new feedback and continue workforce training, the TSA statement said.
The TSA been under pressure from lawmakers, flight crews and others concerned that the change dangerously relaxed aviation security and sent the wrong message to a flying public eager for more simplicity and efficiency in passenger and bag screening.
CNN’s Mike M. Ahlers contributed to this report
