Huge Queues for Passengers Flying Domestically in Brazil Following New Security Checks

07/19/2016 - 12h05

It only takes 50 minutes to fly from Congonhas airport in São Paulo to Santos Dumont in Rio. But new recommendations issued by Anac (National Civil Aviation Agency) tell customers to be prepared to wait more than twice that time when flying internally in Brazil over the summer.

Anac advises passengers to arrive at their departure airport two hours before take off. Prior to this, arriving one hour in advance was generally considered to be sufficient.

The new recommendations follow chaotic scenes at Brazilian airports this Monday (18). Huge queues formed after tighter security checks for domestic flights were introduced. These include more stringent inspections of hand luggage.

Poor advertising and ineffective promotion of the new security measures meant passengers were unaware this could affect their check-in process. Anac reported average delays of between 10 to 45 minutes at peak time.

According to the agency, the new regulations have nothing to do with the upcoming Olympic Games, due to start in less than one month.

However, Anac has said that the sporting event, which also coincides with the school holidays, will probably increase demand for air transport. Airports and operators will be forced to raise their game.

Now, security checks require laptops and notebooks to be removed from hand luggage and scanned separately. Passengers will have to pass through X-Ray machines, as well as submit to a body search. Airport security agents can also specifically request to inspect items of hand luggage.

Anac apologises for any inconvenience caused and asks for passengers' understanding.

Translated by GILLIAN SOPHIE HARRIS

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