New Security Threat Cited

British Airways and Air France, both believed to have been targeted by terrorists in late December for possible hijackings, canceled seven flights to the US over the weekend, amid new fears that their aircraft would be used as guided weapons to destroy targets in America.

BA canceled four flights between London's Heathrow Airport and Washington Dulles on Saturday and a flight from London to Miami on Sunday. Air France canceled two flights from Paris to Washington.

"We remain concerned about al-Qaeda's desire to target aviation, especially international aviation," said Homeland Security Department spokesman Brian Roehrkasse. "The US intelligence community continues to gather specific credible threat information on international flights, as we have done in an ongoing basis in the past few weeks. We have shared this information with our international partners, and will work with them to put in place the appropriate security measures."

BA, Air France and a US carrier that flies overseas have all been targets of interest by potential hijackers, according to another government source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

A British Transport spokesman, also speaking on the condition he not be named, said the decision to cancel the flights was made "in the light of information received. Aviation security measures are adjusted from time to time, and occasional cancellations may be necessary. The first priority is always the safety of the traveling public."

FMI: www.dhs.gov