Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has reported a significant increase in the number of prohibited items found in check-in baggage. As the festive season approaches and with the India-UAE air corridor being one of the busiest, the airport has been on high alert.
Among the most commonly found banned items are dry coconuts (copra), fireworks, and various oily food items. The airport highlighted that many passengers are unaware that dry coconuts, which are highly flammable due to their oil content, were added to the prohibited list by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in March 2022.
Other items frequently flagged include e-cigarettes, lighters, power banks, and spray bottles. These items can pose serious risks to flight safety, potentially leading to fires, explosions, or interference with the aircraft’s systems.
The airport’s data reveals that the rejection rate of check-in baggage has risen, with 0.73% of bags being rejected in May compared to 0.31% in December 2022. This increase is attributed to a general lack of awareness among travelers about the items that are considered hazardous.
CSMIA has emphasized the importance of passengers familiarizing themselves with the guidelines provided by airports and airlines regarding prohibited items. While the airport recognizes the emotional significance of certain items, especially during festive times, safety remains paramount.
The baggage system at CSMIA is impressive, boasting an 8-kilometre baggage belt that can handle up to 9,600 bags per hour at Terminal 2 and 4,800 bags per hour at Terminal 1. The check-in baggage screening process involves three steps: tagging the bag with a barcode at the airline counter, X-raying the bag on conveyor belts, and a quick decision by the In-Line Security team based on the X-ray scan, all while being monitored by CCTV cameras.
With the UAE being home to over 3.5 million non-resident Indians and India being the top destination for Dubai International Airport, it’s crucial for travelers to be informed and ensure a smooth travel experience.
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