MEDFA to deliberate approach to mutual recognition

Tina Milton

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The Middle East Duty Free Association (MEDFA) is to meet tomorrow to discuss the possibility of a unified approach to push for the mutual recognition of airport security standards globally

Middle East Duty Free Association (MEDFA) members will meet tomorrow to discuss their strategy to promote the mutual recognition of airport security standards.

Abu Dhabi Duty Free (ADDF) managing director Mohamed Mounib said: “ADDF is not lobbying the government [to discuss the mutual recognition of airport security standards worldwide with the EU], but it will be discussed by MEDFA members who are meeting on February 6 to debate the possibility of a unified approach.”

Liquid sales to transfer passengers at airports worldwide face severe disruption if more countries do not press for mutual recognition of airport security standards before the Stakeholders’ Advisory Group of Aviation Security meeting at the end of the month.

ADDF admitted that political awareness of this issue has not been raised enough in the UAE, but it has debated the subject with the airport’s owner. Mounib said: “I have discussed the matter with the Abu Dhabi Airport Company (ADAC), which owns and manages Abu Dhabi International airport, and I have explained to them what measures we are taking. ADAC will take the matter up with the Federation’s responsible body and they will let me know the results of their discussion.”