US security officials have issued a warning to airlines of enhanced security procedures amid widespread reports suggesting that aircraft could be targeted by terrorists using surgically implanted explosives.

"Due to significant advances in global aviation security in recent years, terrorist groups have repeatedly and publicly indicated interest in pursuing ways to further conceal explosives," said the US Transportation Security Administration in a statement.

"As a precaution, passengers flying from international locations to US destinations may notice additional security measures in place."

These measures, added the TSA, would be "unpredictable" and could include "interaction with passengers in addition to the use of other screening measures such as pat-downs and the use of enhanced tools and technologies".

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news