New rules on liquids in force at airport

There were few disruptions at Malta International Airport yesterday as EU restrictions on liquids that can be carried into the departures lounge by passengers came into effect.

MIA's head of security and administration services, Mario Cuomo, said most passengers were collaborating and followed the regulations, though a number of bottles were confiscated.

As from midnight yesterday, passengers may only carry in their hand luggage liquids in individual containers with a maximum volume of 100ml and these must all be able to fit "comfortably" into a transparent, resealable plastic bag that is no larger than 18 by 20 centimetres.

In recent days, the MIA explained the new regulations through the media. Passengers were also handed leaflets explaining what they could take on board while bright yellow posters were fixed around the departures lounge.

There were only isolated cases where passengers did not know about the new regulations or had forgotten about them. These were given the opportunity to buy a bag for 10 cents from the luggage-wrapping kiosk and put containers with liquid in it, Mr Cuomo said.

Noel Galea, who was manning the kiosk, said a number of people, the majority of whom were tourists, bought a bag yesterday morning.

The majority of confiscated items were large water bottles, which were placed in a bin close to the security check area, Mr Cuomo added.

There were only three cases when other items had to be confiscated in the first 12 hours of the restrictions coming into force. These included a bottle of vodka which a man tried to conceal in his jacket, Mr Cuomo said.

Security personnel were stationed by the entrance to the security area to remind passengers about the restrictions.

"I believe that compliance will increase over time as people get more used to the restrictions," he said. "We have to be very strict since the law does not allow us to permit anyone to break the rules."

The restrictions are expected to remain in force for at least six months.

New regulations on the size of hand luggage may be issued by the EU in May.