Three more international terrorist groups have been officially recognised by the government.

President Obama has described the foiled Muslim suicide bomber attack on a US airliner as a “potential catastrophic breach” as further security lapses come to light.

In travel-related developments, authorities have tweaked new restrictions to reduce in-flights inconvenience but extra on-ground searches and flight delays remain.

Travellers to the US have to undergo extra body and carry-on baggage searches at Auckland International Airport as part of new international security measures after a Nigerian man was arrested for trying to blow up an aircraft flying to Detroit from Europe.

All international flights to the US face pat-down searches, new limits on carry-on luggage and more thorough screening at airport checkpoints after US authorities called on airlines and airports around the world to tighten security measures.

President Barack Obama, has ordered increased security for air travel to and within America after an attempted terrorist act.

The White House described the action of a passenger on a Detroit-bound Northwest Airlines flight from Amsterdam as an attempted act of terrorism.

He had tried to detonate an explosive device strapped to his leg but was overcome by other passengers and cabin crew.

Anthony H. Cordesmam

A visiting US expert tells Jeremy Hall that terrorism is possible in New Zealand but it is important to keep perspective.