France steps up security on US-bound flights --- PARIS — France is increasing security on flights headed for the United States this summer, amid U.S. concerns that al-Qaida is trying to develop a new kind of bomb. -- The Obama administration this week called for tighter security measures at foreign airports that have direct flights to the U.S., prompting British airports to increase security Thursday. -- The French civil aviation authority on Friday announced stepped-up security measures “for the summer period.” The agency said the measures might cause delays on U.S.-bound flights. -- French government officials would not elaborate Friday on the measures, citing the need for discretion in security matters. -- One fear is that extremists with a U.S. or other Western passport could carry the new bomb onto a plane undetected by airport security. - The Associated Press