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Government of India
Ministry of Civil Aviation
28-March-2014 19:26 IST

SoP for Screening of Passengers with Special Needs and Medical Conditions
Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has issued procedure for screening of passengers and
carryonbaggagevideCircularNo.23/2005.Theprocedureforscreeningofpersonswithspecial
needs including differently abled passengers and passengers with medical condition, has been
described in the said circular. The Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) is laid down in the
following paragraphs, prescribing the guidelines for screening of such passengers and devices,
appliancesandcarryonspertainingtothem.

TheprovisionscontainedinthisSOPshallbeapplicabletothefollowing:

(i)AllIndianairlines/carriersengagedinscheduledandnonscheduledairtransportservices
bothdomesticandinternational
(ii)Allforeignairlines/carriersengagedinscheduledairtransportoperatingtoandfromIndian
Territory.
(iii)Allairportoperators,includingprivate/JVs,withinIndianTerritory.

(iv)AviationSecurityGroup(ASG)/CISF/APSUdeployedatairports.

IPersonwithdisabilitymeansanyindividualwhohasaphysicalormentalimpairmentthat,
onapermanentortemporarybasis,substantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivities,hasarecord
ofsuchimpairment,orisregardedashavingsuchimpairment.
(a)Physicalormentalimpairmentmeans:

(1)anyphysiologicaldisorderorcondition,cosmeticdisfigurement,oranatomicallossaffecting
one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense
organs,respiratoryincludingspeechorgans,cardiovascular,reproductive,digestive,genito
urinary,hemicandlymphatic,skin,andendocrineor
(2)anymentalorpsychologicaldisorder,suchasmentalretardation,organicbrainsyndrome,
emotionalormentalillness,andspecificlearningdisabilities.

The term physical or mental impairment includes, but is not limited to, such diseases and
conditionsasorthopedic,visual,speech,andhearingimpairmentscerebralpalsy,epilepsy,
muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, mental retardation,
emotionalillness,autism,drugaddiction,alcoholismandgeriatricdisabilities.

(b)Majorlifeactivitiesmeansfunctionssuchascaringforonesself,performingmanualtasks,
walking,seeing,hearing,speaking,breathing,learningandworking.
(c) Has a record of such impairment means has a history of, or has been classified, or
misclassified,ashavingamentalorphysicalimpairmentthatsubstantiallylimitsoneormore
majorlifeactivities.

II. A person with reduced mobility (PRM) means any person whose mobility when using
transport is reduced due to any physical disability (sensory or locomotor permanent or
temporary),intellectualdisabilityorimpairment,oranyothercauseofdisability,orage,and
whosesituationneedsappropriateattentionandtheadaptationtohisorherparticularneeds
oftheservicemadeavailabletoallpassengers.

III. Incapacitated passengers are those with physical or mental disability or with a medical
condition,whorequireindividualattentionorassistanceonemplaning/

All airport operators should make special arrangements to facilitate screening of persons
withspecialneedsasabovesothattheprocessiscarriedoutefficientlykeepingthedignity
andprivacyofthepassengerinmindwhileensuringadequatelevelofscreening.Thiswill
includeprovisionofsuitableenclosedspaceforprivatescreeningofpassengerscoveredin
thisSoP.

Theairportmanagement/representativeofaircarriershallprovidewheelchairsandrender
necessary assistance to facilitate the movement of the persons with special needs, when
required.However,theywouldnotnormallybedirectlytakentotheaircraft,exceptincase
ofambulancepassengers.

While thorough checking is essential and the directives under AVSEC circular No.
23/2005willbefollowedinletterandspirit,courtesyandattentiontoprivacyanddignity
willbeinvariablyobserved.

In the case of a passenger having difficulty in walking or standing, the way his or her
screeningisconductedwilldependonhisorherlevelofability/disability.

If a passenger has difficulty standing or waiting in line due to a disability or a medical

condition,he/sheshoulddulyinformthescreeningpersonnelwhowillassistindirecting
the passenger either to front of the queue or to a separate line. Passengers should be
encouraged to indicate brief details of their disability at the time of booking of the ticket
itselfandincaseofsuchpriorinformation,airlinesandsecuritystaffshallmakeadvance
preparationforsuchpassengers.
Medicaldocumentationishelpfulbutnotessential.
Canes, crutches and other devices which can be separated from the passengers should be
subjectedtoxrayscreening.
Wherevertestingisdonefordetectionofexplosives,inadditiontoETD,helpofdogsquad
maybetakenasperneed.However,sensitivityofpassengerandreligiousconsiderations
maybekeptinmind.

The procedure laid down herein is not exhaustive, and therefore, in the situations/
circumstances not exclusively dealt with in this SoP, commonsense of the screener shall
prevail depending upon the situation, circumstances and condition of the passenger. For
example,specialproceduremaybedevisedforpersonswithautism,downsyndromeetc.
Theparamountimportanceistoensureaviationsecurityandatthesametimesafeguarding
dignityofthepassengersandpreservingprivacy.
Screeningofpassengerswhousewheelchairorscooters(i.e.selfdrivenwheelchair)
1. When a passenger arrives at a screening point in a wheel chair / scooter, he/she must be
accompaniedeitherbyanothertravellingpassengeroranairlinerepresentative(includingGHA
oftheairline)beforeheproceedsthroughsecurity.Theaccompanyingpassengerortheairline

representativeisresponsibleforthepassengerthroughoutthewholeprocessofscreening.
2. Ifapassengerarrivesatascreeningpointinawheelchairandhe/sheisnotaccompaniedby
anothertravellingpassengeroranairlinerepresentative,theairlinesCustomerServiceshould
becontactedforassistance.
3. At the screening point, depending upon the ability of the passenger to walk, he/she will be
requestedtowalkthroughtheDFMDunaided.Ifhe/shecannotwalk,itistheresponsibilityof
theaccompanyingtravellingpassengerortheairlinerepresentativetopushthepassengerinthe
wheelchairunlessitisselfdriven.
4. In accordance with Airlines policy, there may also be non travelling support personnel in
attendancetoboardtheaircraftandliftthepassengerintohis/herseat.Thissupportpersonmust
beaccompaniedbytheairlinerepresentative.
5.Ifthereisarequirementforthepassengertobeliftedatthescreeningpoint,thesupportperson
ortheairlinerepresentativewillperformtheliftingforthepassenger.
6. The support person will be escorted by an Airline representative at the time of boarding/
disembarkation.
7.Ifthepassengercanstandbutcannotwalk,he/shecanbescreenedbyundergoingapatdown
whilehe/shestandsbesidethewheelchairorscooter.
8. Ifapassengercannotstand,he/sheshouldbeofferedachairforscreeningandsubjectedtoa
patdownthereafter.
9.IfthereisanalarmbytheDFMD,HHMDorothertechnology,thesamemustberesolved.If
thealarmcannotberesolved,thepassengerwillnotbepermittedbeyondthecheckpoint.
10. The passengers wheelchair or scooter will be inspected, including the seat cushions and any
pouches/pockets.Itwillbetestedfortracesofexplosives.Removablepoucheswillbexray
screened.
11.Anycarryonbagordocumentwiththewheelchairpassengershallbepassedthroughthex
rayscreening.
12. IfapersonobjectstoproceedingthroughtheDFMDonjustifiedmedicalorotherground,he/
shewillbeallowedpassagethroughalternativewaybythefriskingofficerandthensubjectedto
screeningbypatdownsearchandHHMDwherepermissible.
13.Ifapersonrefusestoundergoscreening,thefriskingofficerwillinformthesupervisor,whowill
directwhatfurtheractionistobetaken.Theconcernedpassengerwillnotbeallowedentrypast
thescreeningpoint.
14. Only when satisfied that a person is not carrying any prohibited or dangerous article, the
screeningofficershallallowthepersontoproceedbeyondthescreeningpoint.
Screeningofpassengerwithprosthetics
1. During screening of prosthetics ASG/APSU may use Xray. ETD and visual check
dependingonthecircumstances.
2. ThepassengershouldinformtheASG/APSUoftheexistenceofaprosthetic,hisorher
ability and of any need for assistance before screening begins. Passengers can use
NotificationCardtocommunicatediscreetlywithsecurityofficers.However,showingthis
cardorothermedicaldocumentationwillnotexemptapassengerfromadditionalscreening
whennecessary.
3.Dignityandprivacyofthepassengersshouldbeborneinmindduringtheentireprocessof

security screening. Where the officer needs to see the prosthetic, care should be taken
against exposing any sensitive areas. ASG/APSU will also use technology to test the
prosthetic for traces of explosive material. If explosive material is detected, the passenger
willhavetoundergoadditionalscreening.
4.Passengerwithprostheticsorbraces/supportappliancesmustbeaccompaniedbyanairline
representative,preferableofthesamegenderasthepassenger.
5.Thestaffofairlineandanyotheraccompanyingpersonshallbefriskedandcheckedbefore
allowingthemaccesstothepassengerwithprostheticsatthescreeningpoint.
6.ThepassengerwillfirstpassthroughtheDFMDandnecessarysecuritychecks.
7.Thepassengershouldthenbetakentoaprivatescreeningpointandmadetositcomfortably.
He/she will receive additional screening including a patdown. If necessary, screening
throughETDtracewillbeadopted.Whiledealingwithprostheticdeviceandduringtaking
offandputtingonofclothes,privacyofthepassengershouldbemaintained.
8.Screeningoftheprostheticappliancewillincludexrayscreening,ETDdetectionandvisual
inspection. During visual inspection, care should be taken that sensitive parts are not
exposed.
9.Thescreeningintheprivatescreeningareawillbecarriedoutbytwoofficials,onetohandle
to HHMD and patdown and the other to inspect the prosthetics, braces and support
applianceandsubjectthemtoadditionalscreening.
Screeningofpassengerswhocannotremoveshoes,medicaldeviceorbandages
1. Passengerswhocannotremovetheirshoesduetoamedicalconditionshouldinform
thesupervisor,SHAbeforescreening.
2.PassengercanbescreenedusingDFMDand/orawholebodypatdown.
3.TheshoesmaybesubjectedtoadditionalscreeninglikeETD,etc.
4. Passengers can be screened without disconnecting external medical devices and
submittingthemforxray.SuchdevicesincludeInsulinpumps,Hearingaids,Cochlear
implants,Spinalstimulators,BonegrowthstimulatorsandOstomies.
5. Undermostcircumstances,apassengercanconductaselfpatdownofthesedevices
followedbyETDscreeningofhis/herhands.
6. Thedevicesshouldalsobephysicallycheckedagainstanyoutsideinterferenceinthe
manufacturing.
7. Casts, braces and support appliances will be thoroughly inspected without exposing
sensitiveareasasfaraspossible.ETDscreeningwillalsobeusedtotestfortracesof
explosivematerials,wherepossible.
8.Incaseofbandagesand/ordressing,whilecautionwillbeobservedduringpatdown,
it needs to be ensured that the covered area is free of threat item. Metal detector,
observationandselfpatdownfollowedbyETDchecksmaysufficeinmostcases.
9.Passengerswithmetalimplantswillbesubjectedtoathoroughpatdown,andthemetal
alarm should be resolved satisfactorily. The full body pat down should include the
following:
i. Itshouldconcentrateonupperlegsandtorso.

ii.Specialattentionshouldbegiventothechestandabdomenareasofthebody.

iii. Particularfocusshouldbeonanyskinsurfaceabnormalitiesorwiresortubes
exitingthebodythatmaybesignsofanimplanteddevice.


10.InaccordancewithBCASmemo.no.CAS3(32)/2009/DIVIIIB(SAKolkata)
dt 5.9.2010, all airport operators shall display a board near SHA in a prominent way
statingthatDFMD/HHMDaresafeforpacemakerandforpregnantladies.
Screeningofpassengerswithserviceanimals:
Ifthepassengerhasaserviceanimal,theinstructionsissuedbyAVSECcircularno.6/2001shallbe
implemented.Iftheserviceanimalispermittedtobecarriedonboardthefollowing

instructionsshallbefollowed.
a.Theanimalmustbewearingaharness,vest,orotheridentifierthatitisaserviceanimal.
b.Thepassengermustmaintaincontroloftheanimalatalltimes.
c.Heorsheshouldnotbeseparatedfromtheserviceanimal.
d. Thescreeningofficershouldaskforpermissionofthepassengerbeforetouchingthe
animal.
e.Serviceanimalsarescreenedusingwalkthroughmetaldetectorfollowedbyapatdown.
Therearethreeoptions:

i. Theserviceanimalgoesfirstandthepassengerfollowsholdingtheleash.
ii.Thepassengergoesfirstholdingtheleashandtheserviceanimalfollows.
iii.Thepassengerandtheserviceanimalgotogether.

f.Regardlessofwhogoesthroughthemetaldetectorfirst,thescreeningofficerwillperform
a physical inspection of the animal and its belongings (collar, harness, leash, backpack,
vest,etc.).Thebelongingswillnotberemovedfromtheanimal.

g.Thepassengershouldnotmakecontactwithserviceanimal(otherthanmaintaincontrolof
theleash)untiltheanimalhasbeencleared.
h. Medication for serving animals will be subjected to x ray and other screening, if
required, separately. These also should be separated from other items in the passenger
carryon.
Ambulancepassengers
Due to exigencies of their exceptional medical conditions/ illness, some passengers are
directly taken through the security gates to the aircraft for boarding. In such cases, as far as
possible,theairportoperator/airlineshouldprovideitsownambulance.

a.Thepassengerandalloccupantsofthevehicleshouldbesubjectedtoapreembarkation
securitycheckatthesecuritygatebytheASG/APSUstaffunderthesupervisionofan
officernotbelowtherankofanInspector.Theambulanceshouldbepermittedtoproceed
totheaircraftonlyafterthischeckhasbeencompleted.
b.Incasetheambulanceisprivatelyownedorhospitalprovided,itmustbeledbyfollow
me vehicle of the airport operator. The ASG/ APSU staff shall check to ensure that the
vehicles do not carry anything objectionable and are not being accompanied by

unauthorizedpersonsorpersonswhohavenoneedtobeinthevehicles.Suchambulance
willbeescortedbyASG/APSUstaff.
c. All occupants of the vehicles, unless exempted, must be screened at the gate before
allowingentryintotheairport.
d. Themovementoftheambulanceshouldbecoordinatedwellinadvancebytheairline
operatorwithCASOandairportoperator.
Screeningofmedicationandassociatedsupplies
a. Allmedicationsandassociatedsupplies(i.e.,syringes,sharpsdisposalcontainer,pens,
infusersetc.)areallowedthroughthecheckpointonlyaftertheyhavebeenscreened.
b.Medicationandrelatedsuppliesarenormallyxrayed.
c.Passengershavetheoptionofrequestingavisualinspectionofmedicationsandassociated
supplieswithduereason.
d.Anymedicationthatcannotbeclearedvisuallymustbesubmittedforxrayscreening.
e. BCAS has issued detailed guidelines regarding carriage of liquids, aerosols and gel
(LAGs) on board vide AVSEC Circular No. 18/ 2006. Medically necessary LAGs are
permittedinexcessof100mlonneedbasisaftertheyhavebeenscreened.Theseitemsare
subjecttoadditionalscreeningthroughvisualinspectionandETDswipe,ifnecessary.

IfapassengerhasmedicallynecessaryLAGs,heorsheneedsto:

i. Limittheamounttowhatisreasonablynecessaryfortheitinerary

ii.SeparatetheseitemsfromtheotherLAGs

iii.Declaretheitemsand,

iv.Presenttheseitemsforadditionalinspectiononreachingthesecuritycheckpoint.

Xrayscreeningofrespiratoryequipment
a. Supplemental oxygen and other respiratory related equipment are permitted through the
checkpoint once they have been screened. This is subject to DGCA regulations also.
b. If a passenger can disconnect from the oxygen, the oxygen container will undergo x ray
screening.
c. Passengers who cannot disconnect from respiratory equipment will be screened by
undergoing a pat down.
d.Respiratory equipment that is not x rayed will be visually and physically inspected, and will
be subject to ETD screening.

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UM/SA/IK