• Official Statement from the Department of Homeland Security
  

A passenger on a flight from Amsterdam to the U.S. city of Detroit attempted to blow up the aircraft as it was landing.

Law enforcement sources were quoted as saying the passenger, a Nigerian national, claimed he was acting on behalf of al-Qaida.

"Passengers may notice additional screening measures put into place to ensure the safety of the traveling public on domestic and international flights," Department of Homeland Security said a statement.

EXPECT STEPPED UP VERIFICATION OF PASSENGER IDENTITIES

The incident occurred shortly before Northwest Airlines Flight 253 landed safely at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.  The plane was carrying 278 passengers.

A spokeswoman for Delta Airlines, Susan Elliott, Northwest's parent company and the flight operator -- said the Christmas Day incident resulted in minor injuries to some passengers but gave no further details.

One passenger was reportedly hospitalized. The F.B.I. is investigating.

White House spokesman Bill Burton said Friday U.S. President Barack Obama has "instructed that all appropriate measures be taken to increase security for air travel."  Burton said Mr. Obama is is "actively monitoring" the situation from Hawaii where he is vacationing with his family.

Airline officials originally thought the man had attempted to light firecrackers

• Official Statement from the Department of Homeland Security