American Airlines says search of Grenada PM was part of US security rules

American Airlines has defended its decision to search Prime Minister Tillman Thomas before he boarded one of its airlines at the Maurice Bishop International Airport last month.

In a brief statement, the airline said it was part of the prescribed security screening procedures established by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration. American said it is obliged to follow those rules.

The airline stated that the procedures are uniform and the screening of the Prime Minister was conducted "in full consultation with the Government of Grenada’s Protocol Officer and with the utmost respect in a private area of the airport away from the public."

American Airlines further says the private screening procedure is frequently used for Heads of States travelling on American Airlines.

Thomas told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) he had no problems with the search, which was conducted at the Airport’s VIP lounge.