India seeks EU recognition of airport security

Gavin Lipsith

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The country is one of the first to court mutual recognition of airports security standards following the recent European decision to begin bilateral discussions

India’s bureau of civil aviation security is in discussion with the European Union over gaining approved-country status for liquids security, the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA) has reported. The move follows the European Commission’s recent decision to begin negotiations on mutual recognition of security standards of non-EU countries, and if successful would mean that passengers travelling from India can transfer through European airports without risking having their LAGs confiscated, provided they are sealed in a bag that conforms to standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

APTRA reported that the EU will probably audit security standards at one Indian airport and then decide whether or not to approve all the country’s airports. ICAO is also understood to have conducted security audits at Indian airports and given them a good rating.

APTRA board member in charge of LAGs Rakhita Jayawardena said that the association hoped the agreement between India and the EU should be completed by October.

“This information is very heartening and is a very positive step up for our region,” he said.