The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) will introduce a three-dimensional baggage screening machine for first time at the new passenger terminal of Velana International Airport (VIA).
According to MACL, the new baggage handling system is similar to that used at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia and Changi Airport in Singapore. The system at the new terminal will be able to screen 1,200 pieces of luggage per hour, or 20 pieces per minute. The system incorporates a three-tier screening process, with 80 to 90 percent of the system fully automated.
MACL said there are challenges in the current luggage screening process at VIA. This includes long queues outside the terminal and privacy concerns, as passengers are required to scan and sometimes open their luggage before reaching check-in counters. While passengers’ privacy is compromised as a result, it also causes delays. The one-tier screening process is also a concern, according to MACL.
MACL said the new system will eliminate these issues as the new terminal will not require luggage to be scanned before reaching the check-in counters. The new terminal will have 47 check-in counters and six self-check-in kiosks. The check-in area will have a more spacious layout, which will reduce congestion inside the terminal and speed up service.
The new terminal will have three stages of screening under the new baggage handling system.
- After check-in, the luggage will first pass through an automated screening system
- At this stage, four advanced EDS (CTX)3D screening machines will be used. This is the first time such machines are used in the Maldives.
- If anything suspicious is detected in this stage, the baggage will be sent to Stage 2.
- During this stage, the automated machines send the detection for further confirmation.
- At this stage, luggage will be screened by officers from the Aviation Security Command (AVSECOM) and officers from the Maldives Customs Service. A total of 18 tables for AVSECOM officers and 22 tables for Maldives Customs Service officers will be set up.
- The officers will screen the luggage through a monitoring system.
- If the luggage is cleared, it will be sent back to the standard route. If a problem is identified, the baggage will be sent to the third and final stage
- This is the final stage of baggage screening in the new terminal's baggage handling system.
- In this stage, baggage will be screened by AVSECOM officers.
- Luggage will be screened using a dual-view screening machines. These are Ayata standard machines that are already in use at the current terminal.
- There will be six inspection stations dedicated to this stage.
- During this stage, the luggage will be opened if any items are found that are prohibited from being loaded onto the aircraft. They will be taken to the designated area, and the baggage will be opened in the presence of the passenger. If an item is identified that needs to be removed from the luggage, it will be removed and luggage will be cleared for loading.
- The current terminal has four belts for unloading luggage. Currently, Passengers arriving by air have to wait a long time for their luggage to arrive, after completing immigration process. If multiple flights arrive at the same time, the arrival hall is very crowded.
- To solve this issue, the new terminal will have six belts incoming luggage. High-speed machines will be used to scan the luggage, which will reduce the waiting times.
The opening of the new terminal at Velana International Airport is being carried out in accordance with international best practice standards. MACL is required to fully comply with the standards set by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Maldives, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
A dedicated Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) team has been established to ensure compliance with all required regulations. This includes ensuring the standards of the country’s regulatory authorities, DASA, the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA), and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), are met.
The 72,000-square metre new terminal is designed to handle 7.5 million passengers annually. It features 47 check-in counters with locally-inspired designs, six self-service kiosks and 24 check-in counters for seaplane passengers.
The new passenger terminal is scheduled to open on 26 July, to coincide with the Maldives’ Independence Day.