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DCA to execute new hand-baggage rules

DUBAI — The Dubai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has yesterday announced that the new security regulations on hand-carried liquids, aerosols and gels will be implemented at the Dubai International Airport (DIA) starting June 17, almost two weeks ahead of the deadline set by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

An official from the DCA said that the one-month introduction period earlier set by the GCAA serves only as a guideline for UAE airports but each air transport facility can set its own date for full implemention of the policy.

"As per the GCAA announcement, we are also allowing a grace period so as to get our passengers acquainted with the new policy. But we believe two weeks will be sufficient for us to carry out the public awareness campaign and we are ready to strictly implement the new security rules by June 17," the official said.

A statement released by the DCA yesterday noted that "since the new rules only affect what can be carried as hand luggage, passengers can still pack liquids in bags that are checked in. Medicines and dietary requirements, including baby foods, can be carried in hand luggage, without being sealed in a clear plastic bag, for use during the journey, but passengers may be asked to prove that these are needed.”

The DCA clarified that passengers can still buy liquids such as perfumes on board an aircraft or at Dubai Duty Free. “The liquids will be sold packed in two-litre security tamper-evident bags, which passengers are advised not to open before they are screened or risk confiscation of the item at the checkpoint. All these liquids are additional to the quantities mentioned for re-sealable bags. Almost all airports worldwide follow the same regulations,” it was stated.

The DCA also mentioned that information about the restrictions are available online at their official website www.dubaiairport.com and in their internal and external newsletters.

Meanwhile, a representative of the Passenger Services Section, Sharjah International Airport, said the airport has been implementing the liquid restrictions in hand baggages for the past two months.

"The Sharjah airport has been complying with the security standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and has been implementing this policy for the past two months," the source said.

He added that travel agencies offering flights in and out of Sharjah airport have also been informed about the restrictions so they can properly guide their customers.

• UAE