( CNN ) -- The Obama administration is stepping up security for some flights headed to the United States from Europe and the Middle East , reflecting heightened concern that terrorists are developing more sophisticated bombs designed to avoid airport screening . Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said in a statement that he has directed the Transportation Security Administration to `` implement enhanced security measures in the coming days '' at selected overseas airports . `` We will work to ensure these necessary steps pose as few disruptions to travelers as possible , '' Johnson said in a statement . `` We are sharing recent and relevant information with our foreign allies and are consulting the aviation industry . '' Specific steps or airports were not disclosed . A homeland security official said that TSA would work with airlines and security agencies overseas and that the changes will primarily focus on airports in Europe and the Middle East . The effort does not involve changes to what travelers can take aboard flights . But passengers may see additional inspections of shoes and electronics , additional use of scanners designed to detect trace amounts of explosives , and another stage of screening at boarding gates , in some cases , the official said . The measures do not involve U.S. domestic flights , and passengers could see changes as early as next week . The changes came about based on new intelligence on terror groups trying to build new types of improvised explosives that are harder to detect , the official told CNN . There was no specific plot . The UK Department for Transport confirmed Wednesday that it is stepping up some of its aviation security measures . `` For obvious reasons we will not be commenting in detail on those changes . The majority of passengers should not experience significant disruption , '' a spokesman said . `` The UK has some of the most robust aviation security measures and we will continue to take all the steps necessary to ensure that public safety is maintained . '' Since hardening cockpit doors and taking other measures after the 9/11 al Qaeda attacks , the U.S. aviation security focus has shifted primarily from hijackings to plastic and other explosives that can be carried aboard a plane or hidden in baggage . The United States has particularly been focused on efforts by al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to develop undetectable explosives since the unsuccessful attempt by the so-called `` underwear bomber '' to bring down a Delta Air Lines jet over Detroit in 2009 . CNN 's Andrew Carey contributed to this report .
NEW : UK Government confirms it is stepping up aviation security measures . Homeland Security suggests enhanced security measures at certain overseas airports . There could be added shoe size , closer security measures . The measures are related to new intelligence on terror groups and bomb making .