Brussels, 20/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - In the context of re-examination of the regulation on new security rules for civil aviation, the Commission decided, on 20 April, to postpone implementation of the provision on maximum hand luggage size for air passengers by one year until 6 May 2008. According to the regulation, adopted on 5 October last (see EUROPE 9298), cabin luggage cannot exceed the dimensions stipulated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA): - 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm.
After the failed terrorist attempt in London in August 2006, the Commission adopted, on 5 October last, new measures aimed at strengthening aviation security. The measures, which took effect on 6 November, limit the quantity of liquid that can be carried on board aircraft (see EUROPE 9298) and reduce the maximum size of hand luggage to the above-mentioned dimensions, with exceptions for musical instruments and television cameras. In accordance with the above regulation, airline companies and civil aviation authorities of member states had a period of six months in which to set new provisions in place. On Friday, the Commission decided to defer this date until 6 May 2008 “as more time is needed” for airport authorities and airlines “to reassess the advantages and disadvantages they entail, notably regarding air security and passengers' comfort”.
The European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) has been invited to assess the security benefits that accrue from a limit on cabin bag size over the next 12 months. ECAC will present its report to the Commission by December 2007. After analysis of this input, the Commission will adopt a decision. (aby)