New Security Rules for taking Liquids, Aerosols & Gels through UAE Airport Security Checkpoints

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), has authorised the introduction of enhanced security measures to be applied at United Arab Emirates’ International Airports. With effect from 31st May 2007; passengers will be limited in the amounts of liquids, aerosols and gels that can be placed in baggage that can be carried into the cabin of aircraft.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced to the aviation industry to prepare for the introduction of the enhanced measures in May 2007 which has given both the aviation industry and passengers through awareness sufficient lead time to ensure that any liquids, aerosols and gels placed in cabin baggage comply with these enhanced security screening measures.

The security measures follow recommendations promulgated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and aim to harmonise the UAE’s aviation security practices and procedures with those already adopted and applied by countries, such as the United States of America, European Union, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and several others including  regional Gulf States.

From the 31st May 2007, 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 no bigger than 100ml each.

The liquid items to be carried in the aircraft cabin must fit comfortably into one transparent, re-sealable bag no larger than 1 litre or approximately 20cm x 20cm, as displayed here, and must fit allowable cabin baggage.
Passengers will be required to present their transparent re-sealable bags separately to other cabin baggage at the security checkpoint.

No restrictions apply to the amount of liquids placed in baggage destined to be stowed in the aircraft hold. Passengers must however; place liquids; aerosols and gels in hold stowed baggage prior to presenting themselves for screening at security checkpoints. 

There are exceptions for passengers travelling with infants and children and passengers with special medical or dietary needs. Items purchased after the security screening checkpoint point or onboard aircraft are also exempt.

Airport and Airline personnel will be positioned in advance of the security screening checkpoints to advise passengers of the new security measures and to assist where necessary. It is recommended that passengers transiting or transferring through airports on route to their final destination clarify with Duty Free and on-board sales that purchase of liquids; aerosols and gels will not result in the confiscated goods when changing aircraft.

Click here to download the Security Control Guidelines