Over 34,000 banned items seized at airport

dubai — The general department of airport security of the Dubai Police confiscated over 34,000 banned items from passengers before they boarded their flights in the first half of this year.

Lieutenant Walid Ali Ahmed Ghanem, head of division information entry and update section at the department, said the department inspectors found knives, scissors, martial arts and sports equipment, fluids and compressed fluid in the cabin baggage of passengers. All these items come in the prohibited items list according to the UAE aviation laws.

Ghanem said the police also seized hazardous items such as electronic cigarettes, which some passengers thought would be allowed in the aircraft as it only contained gas. He said it is dangerous to carry any items containing gas as they can explode due to the fluctuating air pressure.

Passengers should not carry unlicensed goods and hazardous materials such as sprays, any kind of devices containing gas, glue, ink, phosphorus, pesticides, insecticides; eroded materials such as batteries; explosive materials, such as fireworks; magnetic tools, and radiation equipment; and chemicals.

Some of the prohibited items may be allowed in checked baggage under certain conditions/ regulations, he said. Also, certain items such as toiletries and some medicines are allowed in passenger handbags in the specified quantities. He urged travellers to go through the prohibited items list and abide by aviation laws.

In case of certain equipment such as wheel chair or sports items, one needs to obtain prior permission from the authorities.

Some prohibited items may be allowed in checked baggage under certain conditions Lt Walid Ghanem Head of division information entry and update section