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'No liquid rule' to have a soft launch across UAE from May 31

DUBAI — International airports across the UAE will begin the ‘soft introduction’ of the new aviation security rules that limit passengers to carrying certain amounts of liquids, aerosols and gels in their hand baggage.

The relaxed introduction will start on May 31 in anticipation of the policy's full implementation on June 30, the country's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has confirmed.

A source at the GCAA said the one-month introduction is aimed at raising public's awareness about the enhanced security measures before UAE airports begin strict implementation next month.

"Airport check-in personnel will start informing passengers about the limited amount of liquids, aerosols and gels that they can take inside the aircraft. Passengers may still be allowed to take those materials in during this one-month introduction period. However, effective June 30, UAE airports will strictly implement the new rule," the source clarified.

In a statement released yesterday, the GCAA has advised the aviation industry "to prepare for the introduction of the enhanced measures."

It added that it has given both the industry and passengers sufficient lead time to ensure that any liquids, aerosols and gels placed in cabin baggage comply with the enhanced security screening measures.

"From May 31, passengers shall only be permitted to take through airport security screening checkpoints in cabin baggage liquids such as toiletries, perfume, shaving foam, deodorant and lip balm providing they are in containers not bigger than 100ml each," the statement read.

"The liquid items to be carried in the aircraft cabin must fit comfortably into one transparent, re-sealable bag no larger than one litre or approximately 20cm x 20cm, and presented separately at the security checkpoint," the statement added.

The GCAA has also noted that there will be no restrictions to the amount of liquids placed in baggage that is to be stowed in the aircraft hold, meaning, those that will be checked in. “Passengers must, however, place liquids, aerosols and gels in hold stowed baggage prior to presenting themselves for screening at security checkpoints," the general civil aviation mentioned.

Exemptions from the new hand baggage rules include passengers travelling with infants and children and those who may have special medical and dietary needs. Likewise, items purchased after the security screening checkpoint or onboard the aircraft are also exempted from the policy.

"It is recommended that passengers transiting or transferring through airports en route to their final destination clarify with Duty Free and on-board sales if purchase of liquids, aerosols and gel products will not result to the confiscation of the goods when changing aircraft," the GCAA said.

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