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US airports security scare

United Airlines faces a hefty fine

Mr Mineta said he was asking the Federal Aviation administration to punish United Airlines for the breach and a heavy fine is likely to follow.

Four security staff have been sacked and five others suspended after the incident on Saturday.

The weapons were only found in a last-minute check on the man's hand-luggage.

The FBI said Nepal-born Subash Bahadur Gurung, 27, told them the weapons were for his protection and he mistakenly forgot to pack them in his checked-in luggage.

He was arrested and charged with trying to carry a weapon on board an aircraft, a crime which can be punished by up to 10 years in jail and a $250,000 fine.

A spokesman for the US Attorney's Office said there was no indication he planned any "illicit, nefarious" activity.

Federal control

Mr Mineta said that there had been other incidents at US airports and he warned airlines that they would be held responsible.

He said the necessary investment in airport security was still not being made after the 11 September suicide attacks on New York and Washington.

He also referred to the debate about new airline security legislation and said the federal government must take control of airport security systems.