Measures Begin June 30 At Abu Dhabi International Airport

Remember the phrase, "Just like Mike (Michael Jordan)?" Well the United Arab Emirates is implementing new security measures "just like US" that begin June 30.

In a press release issued Saturday by Abu Dhabi Airports Company, ADAC, the new measures restrict the amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels passengers may carry onboard their hand-carried luggage. (Sound familiar?)

Passengers are advised to check-in everything not required during their flight in their check-in luggage; the aforementioned liquids, aerosols, and gels not packed in check-in luggage should be packed in accordance with the new restrictions before arrival at the airport. (Note to US passengers: "before" arrival at the airport)

Those restrictions include:

• Liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers with a maximum capacity of not more than 100ml (3.38 ounces; note to US passengers: they get 0.38 ounces more than we do!) each. Liquids, aerosols and gels in containers larger than 100ml will not be accepted, even if the container is partially-filled;
• Containers must be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity not exceeding 1-litre (about 1 quart). The containers must fit comfortably within the transparent re-sealable plastic bag, which must be completely closed;
• Each passenger is allowed to carry only one transparent re-sealable plastic bag, which must be presented separately for screening;
• Exemptions will be made for medications, baby food, and special dietary items.

In order to assist passengers with these new rules, the airport will deploy airport ambassadors throughout Terminal 2 to assist passengers with queries, set up information panels at various locations to inform and remind passengers of the new restrictions, provide pamphlets and regular annoucements about the new measures, and provide tables for passengers who may need to re-pack their belongings.

Passengers who will be transiting or transferring at other airports will have their liquids, aerosols, and gels purchases packed in sealed tamper-evident bags by the shops, with the receipt clearly displayed in the sealed bags.

Abu Dhabi Airports Company, a public joint-stock company wholly-owned by the Abu Dhabi Government, was incorporated on March 4, 2006, to spearhead the development of the Emirate's aviation infrastructure.

ADAC officially took over the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain international Airports September 28, 2006. Included in its mandate is the re-development and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport, which includes the new midfield terminal designed to increase the overall capacity of the airport to 20 million passengers by 2010.

FMI: www.dcaauh.gov.ae, www.adac.ae