New security measures at airport from next month

New security measures for departing flights will be in place at the airport from early November following the uncovering of an alleged terrorism plot in the UK last August.

The measures, issued by the office of the manager airport security, are in harmony with those to be implemented in all EU countries.

Travellers will be able to carry travel-sized toiletries (100ml or less) that fit comfortably into a one-litre, clear, re-sealable plastic bag.

For the purpose of the new regulations, the definition of liquids includes: gels, pastes, lotions, liquids, liquid/solid mixtures and the contents of pressurised containers, such as toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, soups, syrups, perfume, shaving foam, aerosols and other items of similar consistency.

The new regulations will:

1. Limit the individual quantities of liquids allowed to be carried by passengers to 100ml per container.

2. Require that the number of containers carrying liquids fit in one transparent re-sealable plastic bag of a maximum size of one 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, such as musical instruments. This measure will be enforced six months after the adoption 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 one 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 MIA shops situated at the departures area. Where passengers have a two-sector flight - from Malta to another EU airport with a final destination in another European airport - the liquids purchased at the MIA departure shops will be sealed. The purchase receipt will be visibly attached to or inside the bag as proof of purchase on that day.

Passengers in transit from a Community airport (for example, from a European airport to Malta then in transit to another destination), can bring into Malta liquids purchased from the Community airport that exceed the stipulated one 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 one litre) are packed in a bag that is both tamper evident and displays satisfactory proof of purchase at that airport on that day (visible receipt attached/inside the bag).

Furthermore, passengers transferring at MIA from an EU carrier to another country may bring into Malta liquids purchased on the EU air carrier (more than the stipulated one 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 tamper evident and displays satisfactory proof of purchase on board that aircraft on that day.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if a re-sealable plastic bag is larger than one litre?
If the bag is bigger than one litre the security screeners at the MIA will make a decision in terms of the limited number of containers in the bag. Some of the items in the bag may be confiscated and eventually destroyed by MIA.

What happens if a passenger is found carrying liquids over the stipulated limit?
The extra amounts of liquids will be confiscated and destroyed by the MIA security division.

What happens if an item in the bag is over 100ml?
Passengers are solicited to put inside the one litre bag only containers up to 100ml. If they have containers over the required 100ml limit, they will be confiscated and destroyed. This procedure may slow down the passenger's boarding.

How many one litre-sized bags can a passenger carry?
Each passenger can carry one one litre-sized bag.

For how long will these changes remain in force?
There are no stipulated milestones for these additional measures. The changes will stay in effect for some time. These additional measures will be amended as necessary.

Do "special needs" liquids (say, medicines) need to go into the one litre re-sealable bags?
Prescription and medical needs above 100ml should not be placed inside the one litre bag.

However, they should still be presented to the security screener at the MIA.

Will these new procedures increase passenger screening times?
Initially it is assumed that considerable time will be required to screen a passenger. Hence, passengers are advised to check in earlier for their respective flights.

However, it is presumed that the process will become more efficient when passengers become accustomed and prepare items that are to be removed from hand baggage and placed in the one litre bags.

Does this new policy mean passengers cannot bring liquids through the checkpoint?
Passengers are not allowed to bring any liquids through the MIA security checkpoint (other than the approved items in the one litre plastic re-sealable bag). Any undeclared liquids will be confiscated and destroyed by MIA security personnel. Beverages and other liquids can be purchased from retail outlets at the MIA departures.

How many containers can passengers put in the one litre re-sealable bag?
There is no limit on the number of 100ml (or less) containers. However, as long as they fit comfortably in the one litre bag passengers should not encounter any problems at the MIA screening points.