New security rules at the airports

TIRANA, Nov. 6 – Tirana Airport Partners, the group that manages the Mother Teresa International Airport, announced new security rules that passenger should respect when using the airport. The rules were being applied all around the continent. To protect travelers against the recently identified threat of liquid explosives, there were adopted new security rules that restrict the quantities of liquids which passengers can take through security checkpoints. They went into power this Monday, Nov. 6 “in order to offer its travelers high security standards,” according to a statement.
The new rules mean that at security checkpoints, travelers and their hand luggage will be checked for liquids as well as for other prohibited articles. The term “liquids” includes: water and other beverages, soups, syrups, creams, lotions and oils, perfumes, sprays, gels (including hair and shower gels), the contents of pressurized containers (including shaving foam, other foams and deodorants), pastes (including toothpaste), liquid-solid mixtures, mascara and any other items of similar consistency. While packing, travelers should bear in mind that they are only allowed to take small quantities of liquids in their hand luggage. These liquids should be in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 100 milliliters each; these containers should be packed in one transparent, re-sealable plastic bag of not more than one liter capacity per passenger. At the airport, travelers must present all liquids to the screeners at the security checkpoint for examination. Travelers must also remove jackets and/or coats to be screened separately. Laptop computers and other large electrical devices should be removed from hand luggage for separate screening. The new rules affect only hand luggage. Liquids packed in checked-in luggage are not considered problematic. Passengers whose hand luggage contains medicines, dietary supplements and the like, including baby foods for use during the flight, may be asked for proof that these products are really needed on board.
Passengers traveling from Tirana International Airport (TIA) on direct flights can buy liquids, beverages, perfumes etc. in any of the airport shops situated after the security control point. If, however, they later transfer flights at an EU airport, they will be obliged to dispose of any such liquids bought at TIA. Passengers with any doubts about how these restrictions will be applied should consult their airline or travel agent in advance. While at TIA, passengers are asked to cooperate courteously with airport security and airline staff.
Albania’s Mother Teresa International Airport will be with a new terminal by next spring. The renovation is made from the concessionary company TAP that since April 23, 2005, has taken the overall responsibility for the development, operation and management of the airport. That is an Albanian-registered company under German-American ownership with shareholders being HOCHTIEF AirPort, DEG Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft and the Albanian-American Enterprise Fund. TAP has set itself the aim of expanding the airport and setting new standards in comfort and service. In the period up to 2007, more than EUR 50 million is to be invested in the airport. Construction works for a new passenger terminal, a new cargo terminal and a new access road are well underway. New terminals for the passengers and goods, as well as a new road connecting the capital with the airport, are being constructed in a modernization project kicked off two years ago. “This means more qualitative services for the citizens, not only Albanians, but also for tourists who will come to Albania,” Prime Minister Sali Berisha said as he inspected the construction recently. “The modern airport will help to change the poor image that Albania has in other countries, and attract more visitors.” Mother Teresa International Airport is Albania’s most important hub of transportation. In 2005, it was used by some 785,000 passengers, or 22% more than in the previous year. TAP will run the airport by concession for the next 20 years.