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No violation of airport security requirements in baggage handling incident
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     A Government spokesman said today (April 25) that the Government has received and studied the report (at Annex) of the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) regarding the lost baggage incident that took place at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on March 27 and 28 this year. The Government concurred with the report that the handling of the incident did not violate any airport security requirements and international aviation security standards.

     The spokesman said, "According to the AAHK's report, the AAHK, the Aviation Security Company and the relevant airline have provided information regarding the chronology of the incident. The AAHK has also studied and set out in detail in the report the various requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and HKIA relevant to baggage handling.

     "On airport security, the report pointed out that, after its discovery in the departure hall, the cabin baggage concerned passed explosive trace detection; the ownership of the baggage was verified; before entering the departure restricted area, the baggage underwent security screening, which met the requirement of the ICAO before its return to the owner; and, according to the requirements of relevant authorities of the destination country of the flight, the cabin baggage was also security screened at the boarding gate before the owner boarded the aircraft.

     "After the content of the report was studied by the Security Bureau, the Transport and Housing Bureau and the Civil Aviation Department, we agree with the report that the handling of the incident did not violate airport security requirements.

     "It was mentioned in the report that the AAHK, together with other stakeholders, would review and fine tune the existing handling procedures for lost and found items. The Government agrees with this work direction."

     The spokesman reiterated that the Government attached great importance to the security of the HKIA, and strived to ensure that the aviation security measures of the HKIA were in full compliance with the relevant requirements of the ICAO. All passengers, staff and crew as well as their baggage were required to undergo security screening before they entered the restricted area and were on board the aircrafts.

     The spokesman also stressed that the Government would continue to work closely with the AAHK to ensure aviation security and maintain reliable and efficient operation of the airport.

Ends/Monday, April 25, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:20

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