The Bureau of Civil Aviation (BCAS) has asked airports to strictly follow one bag per passenger inside cabin rule following which passengers travelling on domestic flights will only be allowed to carry one bag inside aircraft cabin.

BCAS asked airport operators and airlines to implement the rule strictly after it found that passengers carrying more than one cabin luggage baggage overwhelming security check-in counters at the airports.

“As per BCAS AVSEC Circular Nos. 06/2000 & Lt12000, no passenger should be permitted to carry more than one handbag other than those items already listed in the circular including lady’s bag,” BCAS said in an order issued on Wednesday.

“However, it has been seen that passengers on an average carry 02-03 Nos of hand bags to the screening point. This has led to increased clearance time as well as delays, congestion in PESC point and inconvenience to passengers. It is therefore felt that enforcement of the aforesaid Circulars must be ensured by all stakeholders/airlines,” the order further stated.

The BCAS ahas has further informed the airlines to to alert passengers of the development by putting a message on boarding passes and tickets.

“All airlines may be directed suitably to inform passengers and to display “one hand bag rule’ on their tickets/boarding passes very conspicuously,” the Wednesday order further read.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation body has also asked airports to put up hoardings at the airport premises to inform the passengers of stricter rules.

“Airport Operators may be instructed to place hoarding/banner/board/ standees displaying the contents of the ‘One hand bag Rule’ near the check-in counters, vantage locations before SHA (security hold areas) at the airports, so that passengers get sensitized and if required, have an option to switch their extra hand bags to registered baggage,” the BCAS order further stated.