Travel from India to DUBAI, A list of forbidden items people cannot bring

October 27, 2023 by imdigiweb

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The India-UAE air corridor stands as one of the busiest routes, with a significant influx of Indian travelers heading to the Gulf country for various purposes, such as business, tourism, and employment. As the festival season draws near, this corridor anticipates a substantial surge in the number of visitors. However, in recent times, there has been a noticeable uptick in the rate of decline check-in baggage at Mumbai International Airport. This is due to both domestic and international passengers inadvertently carrying items that fall under the prohibited category.

According to Mumbai Airport authorities, some of the most frequently confiscated items discovered in checked baggage include dry coconut (copra), fireworks, flares, party poppers, matches, paint, fire camphor, ghee, pickles, and other oily food items. In addition to these, several other items are considered top culprits, including e-cigarettes, lighters, power banks, and spray bottles, among others. Many passengers may not be aware that these seemingly harmless items pose potential risks to flight safety when mishandled or stored improperly. Such items are typically associated with fire hazards, explosions, or the potential to interfere with the aircraft’s electrical systems, making their prohibition a crucial aspect of aviation safety.

Highly flammable items

In just a single month last year, a staggering total of 943 dry coconuts were discovered in passengers’ check-in bags. Dry coconuts are of particular concern due to their high oil content, making them highly flammable and a potential fire hazard when exposed to heat within the aircraft. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in India wisely included dry coconuts in the list of prohibited items in March 2022. However, the majority of passengers remain unaware of this important addition, highlighting the critical need for improved awareness and education regarding air travel safety regulations.

According to third-quarter passenger statistics from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Dubai, London, and Abu Dhabi have maintained their status as the most sought-after international destinations. The combined passenger traffic from these top three international destinations exceeded 1.1 million, marking a significant 21 percent increase compared to 0.9 million in Q3 2022. Notably, the UAE is home to over 3.5 million non-resident Indians, constituting the largest expatriate community in the Gulf country, and Indians contribute significantly to the tourist numbers. In fact, India remains the top destination for Dubai International Airport, with 6 million passengers passing through the world’s busiest airport in the first half of 2023.

While Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport understands the emotional significance attached to certain religious items, especially during festive periods, it’s crucial to recognize that some seemingly innocuous items can pose life-threatening safety and security risks. The rising trend in baggage rejections can largely be attributed to a lack of awareness among travelers regarding prohibited and dangerous items in aircraft. Passengers must prioritize understanding and adhering to the guidelines provided by the airport and airlines concerning items that are considered hazardous or prohibited to ensure the safety and security of air travel.

Screening Process of Check-in baggage

The concerning trend of rejected check-in bags has shown a noticeable increase in recent months. In December 2022, the proportion of rejected bags, in comparison to the total number of screened bags, stood at 0.31 percent. However, by May, this figure had surged to 0.73 percent, underlining the growing importance of passenger awareness regarding prohibited and dangerous items in their luggage.

Mumbai Airport’s baggage handling system is an engineering marvel, boasting an impressive 8-kilometer baggage belt. This system has the capacity to efficiently process 9,600 bags per hour at Terminal 2 and 4,800 bags per hour at Terminal 1, reflecting the airport’s commitment to ensuring the smooth and timely movement of passenger luggage. This infrastructure plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of the airport, which is paramount for both travelers and aviation authorities.

Banned items:

Dry coconut (copra)
Fireworks
Flares
Party poppers
Matches
Paint
Fire camphor
Ghee
Pickles
Oily food items
E-cigarettes
Lighters
Power banks
Spray bottles

The process of handling passengers’ check-in bags at Mumbai Airport is a meticulously coordinated series of steps to ensure safety and efficiency:

Step 1: Passengers hand over their check-in bags to the airline counters, where an airline representative attaches a barcode tag to each bag. This tag serves as a unique identifier for the bag throughout its journey.

Step 2: The bag proceeds to the next stage, where it passes through an X-ray machine located one level below the passenger area. The bags are transported on a network of blue conveyor belts, streamlining their movement.

Step 3: At this stage, eight X-ray machines meticulously scan each bag for any potential security concerns. The scanned X-ray images are transmitted to the In-Line Security team members who, within an impressively short span of 20 to 30 seconds, determine whether the bag is clear for further processing. During this entire process, the movement of each bag is closely monitored by CCTV cameras, ensuring both security and peace of mind for passengers and aviation authorities alike. This rigorous and swift baggage screening process is an integral part of maintaining the safety and efficiency of air travel at Mumbai Airport.

Also Read: How to Save Money When Travelling Solo

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