Preventive Security Measures: Screening, Weapon Control, and Rescreening Rules

010-12-04Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-03-271 min

Prevention of Dangerous Objects

States must prevent the introduction on board of:

  1. Unauthorized weapons.
  2. Explosives.
  3. Other dangerous devices, articles or substances which may be used to commit an act of unlawful interference.

Note: Partially charged batteries or liquids are not intrinsically "prohibited" by Annex 17 as a general category at the same level as weapons and explosives, although they are subject to restrictions (LAGs) at screening points.

Passengers and Cabin Baggage

  • If there is mixing between screened and unscreened passengers, the passengers concerned and their cabin baggage shall be rescreened before boarding.
  • Special Passengers: The operator and the pilot-in-command must be informed when passengers subject to judicial or administrative proceedings (prisoners, deportees) are being carried. Their "permission" is not required, only notification.

Carriage of Weapons

  • Law Enforcement Officers: Require special authorization.
  • Other cases: Weapons must be unloaded and stowed in a place inaccessible to any person during flight time.
  • Pilot-in-command: Shall be notified of the number of armed persons and their location.

Large Aircraft

For aircraft with a maximum certificated take-off mass of over 45,500 kg or with a passenger seating capacity greater than 60, the interior design should consider features that make it difficult to conceal weapons/explosives and facilitate searching.