SVPI airport celebrated Aviation Security Culture Week

Ahmedabad: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport successfully celebrated Aviation Security Culture Week from July 31st to August 5, in association with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). All the agencies and stakeholders working at SVPI airport participated in the week-long celebration by participating in and conducting multiple security awareness activities.

Throughout the week, various passenger-centric events were organized to promote aviation security awareness with the tagline “See it, Say it, Secure it”.

One of the highlights was the quiz on security for passengers traveling through the airport. This interactive activity helped educate passengers about restricted items in baggage. Additionally, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) arranged an impressive dog squad show to showcase the vital role these trained canines play in maintaining airport security.

To ensure the engagement of internal stakeholders, several audits related to security, seminars, and security awareness training programs were conducted throughout the week. A Walkathon participated by BCAS, CISF, and airlines was organized, emphasizing the collective responsibility for aviation security.

While following security protocol is very important, passenger convenience is equally important at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Ahmedabad Airport has undergone many major expansions to enhance security and passenger experience. One of the major security announcements that enhances passenger experience includes a new Security Check area, and soon-to-be extended Security Hold area in Terminal 1.

Further, dedicated displays showcasing restricted items for checked-in bags and hand baggage are placed at prominent locations in the terminal to strengthen communication with the passengers. This helps passengers communicate the items allowed in their bags, eventually helping the security team in faster processing and less passenger inconvenience.

Introducing a 2D barcode scanner for faster terminal entry was a significant initiative for faster and hassle-free terminal entry. Listening to passenger feedback suggestions over time, major work to upgrade the registered baggage screening system was carried out, resulting in better baggage handling.

Furthermore, establishing the Aviation Security Training Institute has provided a dedicated training facility for internal and external stakeholders.

SVPI airport is seeing rapid growth in passenger traffic year on year; in the financial year 2022-23, over 10 million passengers traveled. In the 4 months of the current year, Ahmedabad airport has already crossed over 3.8 million passenger count. With increasing passenger numbers, focusing on preparing infrastructure for their security and convenience is essential and SVPI airport has been rapidly working towards infrastructure enhancement.

For Passenger Awareness

Commonly found restricted items in checked-in baggage:

1. Power bank
2. Lighter
3. Copra (Dry Coconut)
4. Spare batteries
5. E-cigarettes

Tips for Passengers to pack bags:

1. Items like explosives, radioactive/infectious/corrosive substances, dry coconut (Copra), lighters, and e-cigarettes are neither allowed in hand nor check-in baggage.
2. Pack your liquid not exceeding 100ml in a transparent resealable bag while carrying hand baggage.
3. All types of spices are not allowed in hang baggage; however, you can carry it in checked-in baggage.
4. Do not carry batteries or a power bank in check-in baggage.
5. Do not carry flammable solids/liquids/gases.
6. Only travel with baggage that belongs to you.
7. Always ensure to pack your own bags.
8. Do not accept baggage from other people to check in by your name.
9. Avoid carrying toy guns in hand baggage.
10. Pack your self-defense items like blackjack, Billy Clubs, and other martial arts items in your checked-in bags only after wrapping them securely.