ISSA2007 Malta

Security measures on departing flights at Malta International Airport

Following the uncovering of the alleged terrorism plot in the UK last August, the Office of the Manager Airport Security (OMAS - Aviation Security Department - MJHA) issued the following additional security measures which are to be implemented at the Malta International Airport for departing flights. These measures are in harmony with all EU countries and will be effective by early November 2006.

Allowance

Travellers may carry travel-sized toiletries (100ml or less) that fit comfortably into a ONE LITRE, clear re-sealable plastic bag.

Definition of Liquids:

The definition of liquids includes: gels, pastes, lotions, liquids, liquid/solid mixtures and the contents of pressurized containers, e.g. toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, soups, syrups, perfume, shaving foam, aerosols and other items of similar consistency.

The New Regulations would:

1. Limit the individual quantities of liquids allowed to be carried by passengers to 100ml per container (i.e. each container containing liquid cannot exceed 100ml);

2. Require that the number of containers carrying liquids fit in one transparent re-sealable plastic bag of a maximum size of 1 litre;

3. Require passengers to present the transparent re-sealable plastic bag at security checkpoints (out of the hand luggage);

4. Require passengers to remove coats and jackets to be screened at security checkpoints;

5. Require portable computers and other electrical items to be removed from cabin baggage before screening is performed and screened separately;

6. Require wheelchairs, prams and pushchairs permitted into security restricted areas to be screened;

7. Limit the size of cabin baggage allowed to a maximum of 56cm X 45cm X 25cm, with the possibility of some exemptions for fragile or valuable items e.g. musical instruments.

(This measure [point 7] will be enforced 6 months after the adaptation of the above regulations).

Larger amounts of prescribed liquid medications, baby food and diabetic glucose treatments are to be declared at the MIA screening point for additional screening. They are not to be enclosed in the 1 litre bag.

Passengers are advised that when possible they are to pack liquids (even in small quantities) in their checked baggage. This would ensure the smooth movement of passengers from the check-in to the Departures Areas.

The new rules will still permit passengers to buy larger quantities of liquids at the Malta International Airport shops situated at the Departures Area. Where passengers have a two sector flight e.g. from Malta to an other EU airport with a final destination in an other European airport, the liquids purchased at the MIA Departure shops will be sealed. The purchase receipt will be made visible and attached/inside to the bag as a proof of purchase on that day.

Passengers in transit from a Community airport (e.g. From a European Airport to Malta then in transit to another destination), may bring into Malta liquids purchased from the Community airport more than the stipulated 1 litre limit. These passengers will be able to depart without hindrance with the sealed liquids for the next flight. This provided that the liquids (more than 1 litre) are packed in a bag that is both temper evident and displays satisfactory proof of purchase at that airport on that day (Visible receipt attached/inside the bag).

Furthermore, passengers transferring at Malta International Airport from an EU Carrier to another country may bring into Malta liquids purchased on the EU air carrier (more than the stipulated 1 litre limit). Even here, passengers will be able to depart to their next flight without hindrance conveying the (sealed) liquids for the next flight. This provided that the liquids are packed in a bag that is both temper evident and displays satisfactory proof of purchase on board that aircraft on that day.