A NUMBER of Scottish airports are to introduce new security measures and hand baggage limits as part of a £1 million upgrade.
Publicly-owned airports operator Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) said it is to introduce the new enhanced security screening equipment for passengers this summer.
It comes as regulations which require UK airports to up their X-ray screening equipment for baggage and body scanners for passenger screening come into force next month.
HIAL operates a number of airports across Scotland, including both Inverness and Dundee and said it is “upgrading to C2+ level X-ray equipment which means that from June, passengers travelling through HIAL airports will be able to bring liquids in containers of up to two litres in hand baggage”.
The statement added: “Passengers should note that all liquids will need to be removed from hand baggage and liquid containers of 100ml or less should be placed in plastic bags measuring 20cm by 20cm in trays for screening.”
It added that passengers would be allowed to “leave all electronic devices in their hand baggage for screening.”
HIAL is also investing in body scanners to “enhance the security experience” for departing passengers, and these will be located in Benbecula, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway and Sumburgh.
It added: “Passengers who do not wish to use the body scanner are able to request an alternative search method.”
The total investment is approximately £1m for the introduction of the security equipment.
Director of safety, compliance and security at HIAL Darren MacLeod commented: “Our security procedures are a necessary requirement to ensure the safety of all.
“The introduction of this new equipment will further improve safety but should also mean a simpler and more straightforward security process for passengers.
“We advise all passengers to check the guidance for individual airports and to allow more time to pass through security this summer.
“All security teams are completing training to ensure that the transition is handled smoothly, and staff will be on hand at airports to assist passengers with the new process.”
