Airport security measures for direct flights to the U.S. are being tightened in response to U.S. alerts of a possible threat.

A statement by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on Wednesday that improved "security measures" were being implemented at foreign airports for direct flights to the U.S. to increase "aviation security."

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According to intelligence reports, the al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and its Syrian affiliate, Nursa, have recently tested new bomb prototypes designed to escape detection by present-day airport scanners.

Although no specific details were revealed due to the sensitivity of the issue, a U.S. official noted that airport security administrators have been instructed to implement stricter passenger screenings and examinations of shoes and electronic devices such as the Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy smartphone, according to Reuters.

DHS said it was possible the additional changes would result in minor delays but argued that as a whole, would not cause "disruptions" to the public.

Officials cited that long-distance passengers are required to arrive hours before their scheduled departures that would allow time for the extra screening.

However, a BBC report noted that it was unlikely that the additional checks would not affect the travelers.

"These changes are being brought in for U.S.-bound flights but the reality is they'll affect all passengers going through security," the article read.

Still, most officials are supportive of this change as it is mainly for the public's protection.

Former U.S. state secretary Hillary Clinton acknowledged the threat and stressed the need for vigilance. U.K. Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin shared her sentiment.

A major concern of the DHS is the possibility of the AQAP and al-Nursa Front to plan an attack on Western-bound flights with camouflaged bombs carried by militants with Western passports.

AQAP's master bomb-maker Ibrahim al-Asiri - one of the CIA's most wanted - is believed to have trained a number of militants in bomb-making.

Ibrahim is the suspected creator of the bombs used in the Christmas-day-underwear-bomb incident intended to blow up a Detroit flight in December 2009 and two bombs hidden in printer ink cartridges in two Chicago-bound cargo flights in October 2010.

Both attempts were intercepted and prevented by officials.

TagsHillary Clinton, Al-qaeda, AQAP, al-Nursa, Ibrahim al-Asiri, Department of Homeland Security, Patrick McLoughlin, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, jihad, airport security