No more Pickles.. UAE announces List of Prohibited items for travelers luggage
The India-UAE air corridor, known for its bustling traffic of Indian travelers heading to the Gulf country for various purposes, is bracing for a substantial increase in visitors as the festival season approaches. However, a concerning trend has emerged at Mumbai International Airport, where the rate of declined check-in baggage has noticeably risen. This surge can be attributed to the growing number of domestic and international passengers carrying items that are banned.
Prohibited Items Pose Risks to Flight Safety Subtitle
Mumbai Airport has identified several frequently found prohibited items in check-in baggage, including dry coconut (copra), fireworks, flares, party poppers, matches, paint, fire camphor, ghee, pickles, and other oily food items. Additionally, e-cigarettes, lighters, power banks, and spray bottles have been flagged as potential risks to flight safety due to their association with fire hazards, explosions, or interference with the aircraft's electrical systems.
Dry coconut, in particular, has emerged as a top culprit, with 943 instances of it being found in passengers' check-in bags in just one month last year. The high oil content in dry coconut makes it highly flammable, posing a significant fire risk if exposed to heat inside the aircraft. Despite being added to the list of prohibited items by India's Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in March 2022, many passengers remain unaware of this inclusion.
Dubai, London, and Abu Dhabi are the most popular international travel destinations along the India-UAE aviation corridor. In the third quarter of this year, there were more than 1.1 million passengers traveling from these top three destinations—a 21% increase over the same period in 2022. With more than 3.5 million non-resident Indians residing there, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a unique travel destination for Indian travelers.
Lack of Awareness Contributes to Rising Rejection Rate
To address the rising rejection rate of check-in baggage, Mumbai Airport emphasizes the need for increased awareness among travelers regarding prohibited and dangerous items. While understanding the emotional significance of certain religious items during festive periods, the airport highlights the potential life-threatening risks associated with seemingly harmless items. Passengers are urged to prioritize familiarizing themselves with the guidelines issued by the airport or airlines to ensure compliance and enhance safety and security.
Mumbai Airport's Check-in Baggage Screening Process
The check-in baggage screening process at Mumbai International Airport involves several steps. Passengers hand over their bags to the airline counters, where a barcode tag is affixed. The bags then undergo X-ray scanning on blue conveyor belts, with eight X-ray machines examining each bag. Within 20 to 30 seconds, the In-Line Security team determines whether the bag is clear to proceed. Throughout this process, CCTV cameras closely monitor each bag's movement.
As the India-UAE air corridor continues to witness a surge in passenger traffic, it is crucial for travelers to be well-informed about prohibited items and adhere to the guidelines set forth by the airport and airlines. By prioritizing safety and security, passengers can contribute to a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
