New 'manual search' regulation at airports: Passengers who refuse will not be allowed on board

The AKP has submitted a legislative proposal to the Speaker of the TBMM containing regulations in the field of transportation, which stipulates that passengers who do not allow a manual search of their person will not be allowed on board, and that fines will be imposed on those who cause disturbances on aircraft.

AKP Group Chairman Abdullah Güler stated that with this proposal, they aim to improve the quality of life of society and contribute to the country's development through a balanced, accessible, economical, and safe service approach in the fields of transportation, maritime, communications, space, and information technologies.

According to a report by Ekonomim; regarding the regulations concerning security areas at airports, Güler stated that all passengers, limited to ensuring that aviation security is not compromised, may be checked and searched with technical devices and, when necessary, by hand, along with their belongings, when entering airports and aircraft.

Explaining that if the checks performed with technical devices cannot be concluded, a passenger who does not accept a manual search of themselves and their belongings will not be admitted to the airport or the aircraft, Güler noted that in this case, the provisions of international agreements to which Turkey is a party will remain reserved.

The regulations included in the proposal are as follows:

- All passengers will be searched with devices at the airport entrance. In cases where device-based searching is insufficient, a manual search will be conducted. However, a passenger who does not accept a manual search of themselves or their belongings will not be admitted to the aircraft. Limited to aviation security, private security personnel will be able to search items, luggage, and cargo under the supervision of general law enforcement.

UPPER PENALTY LIMIT TO BE INCREASED TO 500 THOUSAND

Penalties for actions that put human life at risk during a flight, except in dangerous and mandatory situations, are being increased. In this context, the upper penalty limit for actions such as unauthorized broadcasting on the plane, using a phone, or arbitrary parachute jumping will be increased to 500 thousand liras.

Those providing pilotage and tugboat services will not be able to provide services in the relevant area if they fail to meet the conditions determined by the Ministry or fail to fulfill the conditions within the given time.

A fine of up to 2 million liras will be imposed by the Ministry or the port authority on those who act in violation.

News Source: 12punto