Govt asks airlines to enforce one handbag rule to ease airport congestion

Airline execs say the rule is conflicting as it permits a passenger to carry multiple other things like laptop bag, ladies' hand bag, blanket, item bought at duty free shops

Aviation security regulator, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), has asked airlines to strictly enforce the one hand bag per passenger rule to ease congestion at airports.

In a memo, BCAS said: “It has been seen that an average passenger carries 2-3 hand bags to the screening point. This has led to increased clearance time as well as delays, congestion and inconvenience to passengers. It is, therefore, felt that enforcement of the aforesaid circulars must be ensured by all stakeholders,” it added.

“All airlines and airport operators may be instructed to take steps to implement ‘One Hand Bag rule’ meticulously on