Passengers flying from Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai to Australia will face increased airport security measures from this week as the Australian Government reacts to the ‘electronics bans’ recently imposed by the United States and the United Kingdom.
Affecting travellers aboard Qantas flights QF2 and QF10 from Dubai to Sydney and Melbourne, along with all Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways passengers aboard non-stop flights to Australia, the new rules introduce pre-flight ‘explosive trace detection’ screening for passengers and their baggage.
Taking place at the boarding gate – rather than the main airport security checkpoints – passengers will be randomly selected for the additional checks as they prepare to board.
Australia’s Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester shares that the process is similar to the existing ‘explosive trace detection’ measures in place for Australian domestic flights, which frequent travellers will be familiar with.
Importantly, electronic devices large and small – including laptops, tablets, smartphones and noise-cancelling headphones – will still be permitted in aircraft passenger cabins on flights from Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai to Australia, although “targeted screening of electronic devices” may also be in place.
“Our changes are in line with the UK, which recently announced that people travelling from Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai will be subject to random explosive trace detection (ETD) screening. I want to assure people that there is no specific threat to Australia,” the Minister added.
The increased measures won’t apply to Emirates’ Dubai-Bangkok-Sydney, Dubai-Singapore-Melbourne and Dubai-Singapore-Brisbane flights as all passengers on these routes exit the plane while in transit and clear security a second time before the onward Australia-bound leg.
There’s also no change to security procedures for passengers departing Australia on any international flights, including to Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai, or on flights bound for Australia from any other international destinations.
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles
08 Jun 2014
Total posts 262
Better to be safe than sorry and thankfully no electronics ban
29 Jan 2012
Total posts 184
Welcome to the future and this is but phase one. Within a decade we will see aircraft with no overhead lockers - already being introduced on the upper deck J seats on new EK A380 aircraft. Soon all airlines will have both cases and hand luggage stowed in the hold or even cargo'ed on other aircraft (as is currenty being offered by some tour wholesalers) to your final destination, with only a purse or small handbag/manbag allow in the cabin. All electrics, fluids (except medical etc) and personal items will be banned. May be difficult initially but will be the system. Embrace the changes ahead but they are coming and will be hear to stay - a sorry state of where the world is now heading.
Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles
08 Jun 2014
Total posts 262
So tell me, I won't want to place $35-40,000 worth of photographic and computer gear in the check-in. Who will?
29 Jan 2012
Total posts 184
I'm with you, unfortunately the air safety industry are the ones who make the decisions. Pretty much it will be as simple as - If you don't like the system then don't use it or make alternative arrangements as the final decision will be "Safety and Security First". With your example of costly photographic equipment, it will definitely fall into the category of too big, to dangerous, just as computers, e readers and headphones are now on some flights and destinations. They will simply increase the list of banned items as time passes. I am afraid the old days of free travel no longer exists!
29 Jan 2012
Total posts 184
I totally agree with you, the industry unfortunately will not. Photographic equipment will definitely come under the same rules as current electronic restrictions. It will be a simple case of either abide by the rules or make alternative arrangements. Safety will always be first and paramount and security changes are something we will all need to adapt to. Another 911 tragedy can never be allowed to happen again!
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1024
Frankfurt Airport was doing this 10 years ago rechecking every passenger at the gate.
03 May 2013
Total posts 684
They do this at Jakarta already.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Jul 2014
Total posts 115
They already do 'random' bag searchs at the gate to remove liquids above 100ml on AUstralia bound flights anyway, so it probably wont add much of a delay.
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Security tightened on flights from Middle East to Australia