Egypt will soon announce a tender for a new security system for Cairo Airport employees involving retinal scans, in an attempt to meet Russian conditions to resume flights to Egypt, Egyptian Aviation officials have said. They said Egypt has already met most of Russia’s security recommendations for the airport, where some 20,000 people work.Moscow’s decision, along with the UK’s suspension of its flights to Sharm el-Sheikh, dealt a severe blow to Egypt’s vital tourism sector and its already ailing economy.
Upgrading security at its airports has cost the government in Egypt millions of dollars and given rise to long and often raucous lines at security checks. But the government is pressing ahead with the security reforms in the hope of luring tourists back.
Since the crash of the Russian passenger airliner in October 2015, Egypt’s aviation industry was further shaken by the crash into the Mediterranean of an EgyptAir flight from Paris to Cairo in May after a fire was reported on board, killing all 66 people on board. In March, a domestic EgyptAir flight was diverted to Cyprus by a hijacker using a fake explosives belt.
The new security measures at Egypt’s airports now include sealing off luggage after it is cleared by X-ray checks, a process that also applies to on-flight food and beverages. Passengers must also remove their shoes and belts for scanning at the final security check before boarding. Kiosk-shaped machines designed to detect traces of explosives have been installed at arrival halls but are not yet being used.
