Airport security ready for busy summer period

Security authorities at Kuwait International Airport (KIA) are fully prepared for the summer holiday season and the usual sharp rise in traveler numbers, said the acting head of the airport's security services yesterday. Brigadier Khalid Al-Saqabi, the Acting Director of Airport Security, said that a comprehensive security plan has been put in place at the airport to cover the expected busy summer period there, which this year is also associated with the holy month of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr. This combination of holidays means that double the usual level of effort will be required to ensure the safety of all airport users, not only those departing and arriving on flights but also well-wishers coming to bid farewell to or greet friends and loved ones. Brig. Al-Saqabi said that security officials at the airport are working closely with their counterparts in the customs and civil aviation authorities, reminding all airport-users that smoking is strictly forbidden in every part of the airport except in designated smoking areas. The senior security official underlined the need for all airport-users to abide by the safety and security requirements, and not to carry any restricted materials on board flights, such as lighters, liquids, nail clippers and other proscribed items. He emphasized that the airport's security detection equipment is able to detect such items and that if found they may cause delays for those carrying them and for other travelers. Brig. Al-Saqabi further pointed out that the airport security authorities have a full database of fingerprints and other security information, enabling them to prevent any individuals with a travel ban or security restrictions against them from traveling. The senior security official asked all travelers to ensure beforehand that they are carrying all the necessary, up-to-date documents and valid passports and to arrive at the airport well in advance of their flight time in order to complete their travel arrangements and procedures as quickly and smoothly as possible. He also emphasized the need for all travelers to ensure that the necessary travel arrangements have been made for any children traveling with them. Brig. Al-Saqabi further called on all airport-users, most especially business travelers, to cooperate with traffic officials in order to ensure a smooth flow of passenger traffic in the area in front of the departures and arrivals halls, and to comply with the parking regulations in the zone around the airport, especially in those areas used for dropping off and picking up passengers and luggage. Doing so, he said, would help to ensure a smooth flow of traffic around the airport. The airport security head also warned all travelers against carrying any items of luggage for unknown individuals in order to avoid any illegal actions, for which the person carrying the luggage will be held fully responsible. Finally, Brig. Al-Saqabi urged all expatriates without valid residency visas to take advantage of the remaining ten days of the Amiri amnesty period to leave the country without the need to face any charges over their illegal status, before wishing all travelers a safe and secure jou rney and a 'Bon voyage.'