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As the number of air passengers at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is expected to climb to a new height in the approaching Chinese New Year holidays, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) today (January 24) reminds these travellers on the importance of the safe carriage of dangerous goods and restricted articles. They will enjoy a smooth and fast check-in as well as a safe and worry-free air journey without improperly carrying these items.
According to CAD, a total of 1,024 slot applications for operating extra flights from tomorrow (January 25) to February 10 have been received, representing an increase of 18 per cent over last year. A record high of 737 flight movements is anticipated on Friday (January 31), the day preceding the Lunar New Year's Day.
"In view of the large number of air travellers during the period, it is of importance to remind them on the restrictions of the carriage of dangerous goods and restricted articles on board aircraft because these items pose a threat to aviation safety and security," said Mr Simon Li, Chief Safety Officer of CAD.
In 2002, an average of about 2,000 dangerous goods and restricted articles were intercepted from air passengers every day at HKIA.
He said that the most commonly found dangerous goods inside baggage at HKIA were lighters, perfume or toiletry items, aerosols or gas cylinders for medical or sporting uses, signal flares, gas torches, and household items such as adhesives, polishes, bleach and drain cleaner. These items could be a danger when transported by air due to sudden temperature and pressure fluctuation and vibration. The law, therefore, restricts the type and quantity of dangerous goods allowed to be carried by air passengers on board an aircraft.
"It is an offence to take forbidden dangerous goods on board as they pose a significant risk to health, safety or property and have to be removed. As a matter of fact, many dangerous goods can be shipped as cargo if properly prepared, while some can be taken on board by passengers with restrictions applied," Mr Li added.
In respect of restricted articles, carriage of knife, knife-like object and bladed item is not allowed in the aircraft cabin and within the enhanced security restricted area of HKIA for enhancement of security. Passengers can put those items in their check-in baggage if needed. Nail clippers (excluding nail file) less than six cm long, round-ended nail files, and round-ended scissors with blade less than five cm long, however, are permitted.
Mr Li emphasised that if passengers observed the above restrictions on the carriage of dangerous goods and restricted articles, delay and inconvenience could be greatly minimised during check-in.
Recently, CAD has further stepped up its effort to educate the travelling public by erecting two booths at Hong Kong and Kowloon Airport Express Stations for displaying the forbidden items. In mid-2002, three similar booths were installed at HKIA.
More information on the safe carriage of dangerous goods and restricted articles can be obtained from the CAD website, address of which is http://www.gov.hk/cad
End/Friday, January 24, 2003
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