Hong Kong International Airport Announces New Security Arrangement

(HONG KONG, 17 October 2008) – Beginning 3 November 2008, all passengers departing from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) will be required to present both their boarding pass and travel documents to airport security personnel for verification of their identity before entering the airport restricted area.

This new procedure will enable HKIA to meet a growing trend promoted by the airline industry. More and more airlines now encourage passengers to check in online and print their own boarding passes at home. Under the new arrangement, travellers holding a self-printed boarding pass will no longer be required to verify their identity at airline check-in counters and may proceed directly to security and immigration clearance.

To facilitate the implementation of this new measure, HKIA will set up signage and deploy additional staff at terminals to provide assistance. Airlines and handling agents will also remind passengers of the procedural change at the time of ticketing, reservation and checking-in at the airport.

The arrangement is jointly endorsed by the Civil Aviation Department and airlines operating from HKIA.