MIA in sync with BCAS directive for awareness on baggage security

Air travel is all about ensuring safety. Civil aviation regulators globally have a strict policy about items permitted in hand and check-in baggage. In India, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) monitors this and issues periodic directives to airport operators to ensure smooth transit of passengers. BCAS in its recent order has directed airports to create greater awareness among passengers about permitted items.

Mangaluru International Airport proactively has ensured that passengers are aware about the items they are permitted to carry as part of their travel baggage. Standees with pictograms have been placed at prominent place outside the domestic and international security hold areas for easy understanding by the passengers. Even the airline partners of the airport too have their own information displays on this subject.

Incidentally, BCAS in its recent finding on the subject and mentioned in the order, has observed that cigarette lighters, scissors, knives, liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) account for bulk of the items that are commonly recovered at the security checkpoints across airports. Other prohibited items that security personnel recover include sharp objects, screw drivers, rope, luggage chain, candle/wax and coconut (copra).

Power banks, and e-cigarettes/aerosol/spray account for the highest and least commonly items recovered in the inline hold baggage screening system. Security associates who assist CISF personnel in charge of the security hold area too inform the passengers on the dos and don’ts that one must follow as part of the mandatory security check. MIA is also proactively acting on all other directions given by BCAS in this regard.