The new EU security rules regarding liquid items carried in passengers’ hand luggage (European Commission Regulation 1546/06) will be in effect at all European Union airports as of Monday 06.11.2006.

Athens International Airport (AIA), aiming to ensure the smooth implementation of the new measures and ensure the passengers’ best accommodation, proceeded with a) a 30% increase of security screening personnel at the first stage, b) a re-design of the hand luggage screening process, c) the training of AIA’s Security and Terminal Services personnel, and d) a series of informative meetings with airlines, ground handlers, and the airport’s retail concessionaires.

Special measures for the passengers’ facilitation at the airport:

• Aiming to the passengers’ facilitation and timely information before they reach the airport’s check-in counters, a special team of AIA trained employees will assist departing passengers during the introductory period, supporting AIA’s Terminal Operations staff. AIA’s special “green shirt” team will be at the disposal of passengers, helping them in the best way possible, before the check-in process at special service stations, as well as before the screening process.
• AIA, during the introductory period, will give free-of-charge transparent plastic bags of one litre capacity
• Special signage (banners–posters), informative brochures and public announcements will be informing the travelling public on the new EU measures. Additionally, airport monitors will display useful information about the new security rules.

In addition

• AIA’s webpage www.aia.gr provides the airport’s web visitors with all relevant information the new EU security rules, as well as the answers to frequently asked questions.  Athens International Airport’s Call Centre is also at the disposal of the public  for relevant information on a 24-hour basis (tel: +30 210 35 30000).

Regarding the adoption of the new EU security rules, the Management of the Airport Company stressed: “In view of the new security measures’ introductory period throughout the European Union, AIA focuses on the proper and smooth implementation of the new European Regulation and the provision of high quality services to the passengers. AIA and airlines personnel will be at the disposal of passengers for their best possible facilitation”.

Main Points of the new EU rules regarding the
carrying of liquid items on board

(Examples of liquid items: water, alcohol and beverages, gel, cream, glue, lotion, perfume, shampoo, mascara, lip gloss, hair spray, toothpaste, shaving foam, aerosols, contact lens solution, honey, marmalade, soup, olive oil etc.).

 As of Monday 06.11.2006

• Passengers departing from any EU airport, will be allowed to carry on board only small quantities of liquid products either brought to the airport, or bought at the airport before Boarding Card Control under the following conditions:
  • Allowed individual containers have a capacity not greater than 100 ml each
  • Total number of containers should fit in one transparent plastic bag of not more than  one litre capacity
  • Each passenger is entitled to carry ONLY ONE of these bags
  • The bag must be re-sealable and must be sealed when passengers reach security  screening
• Liquids required for medical or dietary purposes, which are to be used during the trip, including baby foods, are allowed in hand luggage.
• Nothing changes for shopping after Boarding Pass Control:
  Passengers may carry on board all liquid items purchased after Boarding Card Control. Athens International Airport shops will pack the purchased liquid items in tamper evident bags, as provided for by the new European Regulation.

It is also worth mentioning that nothing changes for checked-in baggage.  The new measures of the European Union are applicable only for hand luggage and not for baggage handed to the airline upon check-in. This means that liquid items can be placed in passenger baggage. However, given that airlines often apply their own rules regarding the acceptance of liquid items on board, passengers should consult their airline.

To view the Frequently Asked Questions, press here