UAE. Abu Dhabi International Airport (ADIA) has successfully passed a security audit programme administered by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The move means that “it would almost certainly” pass any European Commission audit on LAGs (liquids, aerosols and gels) security, according to European Travel Retail Council (ETRC) Director General Keith Spinks.
Speaking after the audit, General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Director General H.E. Mohammed Ghanim Al Ghaith said: “ADIA’s impressive compliance with ICAO’s Universal Security Audit Programme is a testimony to the professionalism of the airport management and staff and the high efficiency of the security system in place. We are very pleased at the outcome of this audit as it confirms the UAE’s commitment to international standards.”
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) Chairman and Managing Director H.E. Khalifa Al Mazrouei said: “ADAC lays high emphasis on ensuring that its airports adhere to all ICAO regulations. We are very keen on maintaining the air transport’s record as one of the safest and most efficient modes of transport.”
Spinks explained the significance of the move to The Moodie Report. He said: “This is very welcome news as it means that, having successfully passed the ICAO security audit, they would almost certainly easily pass any EU Commission audit on LAGs security.”
He added: “Although we anticipate that Singapore will be the first third country to be approved by the EU authorities [recognising its aviation security measures and approving transfer passengers carrying LAGs-Ed], the entire Gulf is a priority for the Commission due to the large volume of transfer traffic. The ETRC has recommended to the industry that it would facilitate the process if all Gulf governments formally applied for recognition as soon as possible. The Commission could then audit all the states in a single sweep through the region.”
In a separate, though related, development Abu Dhabi Airport implemented new security restrictions at T1 and T1A yesterday which limit passengers to 100ml per container in hand luggage. The rules have been in force at T2 since 30 June.
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