Current Security Measures

03 November 2006

STATEMENT- Security at City of Derry Airport


6 November 2006 – 02.00

Following the events of the 10th of August, security at City of Derry Airport was increased and additional security measures were put in place for all flights. The Government has now reviewed and amended these measures as set out below.

With effect from 02.00 on Monday 6 November 2006, the following arrangements apply to all passengers starting their journey at City of Derry Airport.


Passengers may take through the Airport security search point, ONE SINGLE ITEM of cabin baggage measuring 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (including wheels, handles and side pockets etc.). The dimensions of this bag will be strictly enforced. Other bags such as handbags may be carried within the single item of cabin baggage.

New Rules for Taking Liquids through Airport Security

From 6 November 2006, the following rules will be implemented and apply to all liquids you wish to carry through an airport security checkpoint:

· All liquids must be in individual containers not greater than 100ml capacity;
· All containers must be placed in one transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, no larger than 20cm x 20cm (8” x 8”) in size. The liquid containers must fit comfortably inside the bag so that it can be fastened closed. Bags that cannot be closed will be refused;
· Only one bag per person is allowed. The bag must be clear and re-sealable, such as ‘ziplock’ bags or bags with pressable seals. Larger bags or bags that can be sealed only once e.g. foldover sandwich bags are not allowed. Open ended bags that are sealed by tying in a knot or by using metal or plastic bag ties are not allowed;
· Each passenger must remove their clear plastic bag from their hand luggage and place it on the conveyor for X-ray screening;
· Individual items may be required to be tested;
· Where any doubt or ambiguity exists security staff have the right to refuse any item(s);
· Liquids in containers of more than 100ml must be packed in your checked in hold luggage.

NOTE: The definition of liquids includes gels, pastes, lotions, liquid/solid mixtures and the contents of pressurised containers:

E.g. liquid cosmetics, toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, soups, syrups, perfume, deodorant, shaving foam/gel, aerosols etc.

Exemptions to the 100ml liquids rule apply to:

- Essential medicines in liquid form sufficient for the flight (e.g. diabetic kit)

- Baby milk and liquid baby food sufficient and essential for the flight (the contents of each bottle or jar must be tasted by the accompanying passenger)

- Solid cosmetics e.g. lipstick, solid deodorant and powder foundation etc.

To help their progress through search points, passengers are advised not to include items capable of containing liquids in their cabin baggage (e.g. bottles, flasks, tubes, cans, plastic containers etc.)

Footwear may be x-ray screened. All items carried will be x-ray screened.

Pushchairs and walking aids must be x-ray screened, and only airport-provided wheelchairs may pass through the security point.

Laptops and other large electrical items will have to be removed from cabin baggage and screened separately. (Note: a laptop bag will be regarded as your one item that is allowed in the cabin.)

Musical instruments, which do not fit in the permitted cabin baggage size, will be allowed as a second item of cabin baggage and will need to be screened. Larger instruments (e.g. cellos) are also permitted into the cabin following screening. (Note: musical instruments may only be carried subject to the terms and conditions of your airline e.g. some larger instruments may require the purchase of an additional seat. Passengers are advised to check the conditions of carriage with their airline prior to travel.)

No other items of oversize baggage will be permitted in the cabin and must be checked in as hold baggage.

There are no changes to current hold baggage security measures.

Regrettably, delays are inevitable. Passengers are being asked to allow themselves plenty of extra time. In order to minimise delays, passengers are still requested to avoid carrying hand baggage except where the items carried are absolutely essential. Where possible passengers should place all their belongings in their hold baggage and have it checked in.

Check-in desks will open 2 hours before the scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours before departure for international charter flights.

These additional security measures will make travel more difficult for passengers, but they are necessary and will continue to keep flights properly secure. We hope that these measures, which are being kept under review by the Government, will need to be in place for a limited period only. In light of the threat to aviation and the need to respond to it, we are asking the travelling public to be patient and understanding and to cooperate fully with airport security and Airline staff.

If passengers have any questions on their travel arrangements or security in place at City Of Derry Airport they should contact their airline or carrier.