Since March 1, Egypt's aviation authorities have imposed restrictions on carrying liquids in carry-on luggage of passengers on international flights departing from the country. The new rules were introduced in accordance with the recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). A similar instruction on carrying liquids has already been in effect in European Union countries – since November 6 of last year, liquids can be brought on board international flights only in individual containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml. Liquids in larger bottles will have to be checked in baggage or transferred into 'small containers'.
This requirement applies to alcoholic beverages as well as lotions, perfumes, liquid shaving foam, gels, soups, creams, mineral water, and so on. Moreover, before boarding the plane, bottles and vials are packed in a transparent plastic bag measuring 18x20 cm. Airport employees seal the bags with adhesive tape, which can be removed only on board the aircraft. Alcoholic beverages purchased in stores located beyond the control points in the duty-free zone are allowed to be brought on board, but only in sealed plastic bags and with a purchase receipt. Opening bottles on board is strictly prohibited. Liquid medicines are allowed to be carried only with a medical certificate or a prescription in the passenger's name. Baby food can be brought on board, but airport security has the right to require the product to be opened and tasted.
The rules that came into force in the European Union in November 2006 applied to all 25 EU countries, as well as Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland. Previously, similar restrictions were in effect only at London airports, where in August 2006 an attempt to carry out terrorist attacks on transatlantic airliners using liquid bombs was uncovered. By the spring of this year, Japan, Australia, Canada, South Korea, and Taiwan had adopted similar instructions. Moreover, for most passengers on international flights, the new rules for carrying liquids came as a surprise. According to RIA Novosti, the restrictions introduced in March have already led to queues for carry-on baggage checks in Japan. Flight delays at Japanese airports range from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. Some passengers were forced to stand in lines of 300-400 people for more than an hour before they could go through security.
However, as reported by the tourism representative office of the Egyptian Embassy, there has been no official announcement about the introduction of new restrictions yet – so diplomats cannot comment on information about possible queues at Egyptian airports.
Semyon STOLYAROV.
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