US continues to ban incoming foreign flights

8.00 am

WASHINGTON - The United States is only accepting international flights by US carriers despite lifting most restrictions on commercial aviation today.

US Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta made no mention of the restrictions on incoming foreign flights when announcing the reopening of US airspace earlier today after grounding planes two days ago in response to attacks on New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon by hijacked aircraft.

International airlines were, however, allowed to leave the United States. "A foreign airline can leave the United States for a foreign destination," said FAA spokeswoman Alison Duquette.

The unpublicised distinction between incoming domestic and foreign flights caused confusion.

Airliners from Italy and Portugal had to turn back while Air France cancelled its four US-bound flights.

Italian flag carrier Alitalia said in a statement the FAA restrictions would last until 6am Saturday (NZ time).

South African Airways (SAA) cancelled its decision to resume scheduled flights to the United States today, saying US authorities had reversed themselves.

"Earlier we had been given the all-clear by the US Federal Aviation Authority. That is why we had made preparations to resume our scheduled flights. This is being reversed," Victor Nosi, SAA executive vice-president of marketing and communications, said in a statement.

- REUTERS

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