WASHINGTON - The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) dropped its plan to allow knives on airplanes, which has been banned following the Sept 11 attacks, the agency announced on Wednesday.

"After extensive engagement with the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, law enforcement officials, passenger advocates, and other important stakeholders, TSA will continue to enforce the current prohibited items list," the agency said in a statement.

The agency said in March it sought to remove pocket knives with blades less than 6 cm in length and 1.27 cm in width and some other sporting equipment from the list of items airline passengers are prohibited from carrying on planes.

It argued that removing knives from its prohibited items list would allow airport security screeners to focus more on searching for explosive devices. The measure would have become the first loosening of restrictions for carry-on baggage since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

However, the agency has been under fire after announcing the policy change and had to delay the implementation of the new rule in April.

Those who have criticized the TSA's knives plan moved quickly to praise its decision to drop it off.

"It seemed obvious to most travelers and airline employees that the decision to allow knives on planes was wrong, and we're glad the TSA, after further review and input, has seen it our way," Senator Chuck Schumer said in a statement.