Airports around the world remain on high alert after the Christmas Day attack on a Northwest Airlines plane en route from Amsterdam to Detroit. The failed attempt by Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab to blow up flight 253 with an explosive mixture of liquid and powder strapped to his legs has caused Homelands Security in the U.S. to warn inbound passengers that they will face more rigorous screening and should expect their check in times to take longer than usual.

Abdul Mutallab managed to detonate the explosive material he was carrying and other passengers said they heard what sounded like fire crackers going off. Flames then appeared to come from Abdul Mutallab’s legs but airline crew and passengers were able to put out the fire using blankets and extinguishers. Abdul Mutallab was taken into custody by government officials waiting on the tarmac at Detroit. He has allegedly declared that he is part of the Al Qaeda network and said that he had obtained the explosive materials as well as how to use them in Yemen. The Nigerian, who is being treated for burns, was a former student at University College in London.

Senior U.S. government officials immediately contacted President Obama who was holidaying in Hawaii. It has been confirmed by Bill Burton, a spokesman for the White House, that the president discussed heightening air travel security with officials and will continue to monitor the situation closely. Security at European, Australian, Canadian and some Asian airports has also been stepped up following the incident.