The decision made by GACA was based on recommendations from the International Civil Aviation Organization. Currently involved in the ban are items such as perfumes and colognes, beverages, toothpaste, shampoo and hair gel. Not included in the ban are essential items such as baby milk and special patient food and medications. Confirming the ban, KAIA Director-General Mazen Khashoggi said the step is necessary for airline and passenger safety according to the airport’s commitment to maintain the highest standards in compliance with regulations issued by the General Authority for Civil Aviation, which in turn is compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization regulations.
GACA spokesman Khaled Al-Khaibari told Arab News the campaign has been initiated at all of the Kingdom’s international airports.
“The rules prohibiting liquids and gels in carry-on baggage has been implemented internationally for awhile and we believe all international passengers should be aware of these new rules,” Al-Khaibari said.
The launch of the campaign coincides with the start of the Umrah pilgrimage season. Al-Khaibary denied that Saudi Arabia has been late in implementing this policy that has been in effect internationally for some time. “We were given guidelines and a deadline by the International Civil Aviation Organization in cooperation with King Abdulaziz International Airport to make a ruling in adopting the new safety regulations and implementing them and we have done this accordingly and in a timely manner,” he said.
