Safety and security at Port Macquarie Airport is our highest priority.
Passengers and carry-on and checked baggage are subject to aviation security screening procedures as required by the Australian Government Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 and Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.
These regulations have recently changed to enforce more stringent screening measures. We ask that you please remain patient and follow reasonable instructions from security staff. If you have any concerns about the screening requirements, the security screening team leader will be available to assist.
For more information on Aviation Transport Security please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website.
Body Scanners
Body scanners are used at Australian airports to detect prohibited items worn or carried on your body. If you are required to undergo body scanning screening you will be asked to remove outer layers of clothing (like jackets and jumpers) and take all items out of your pockets. Passengers then stand inside the body scanner and the scanner will detect items worn or carried on the body.
Health and safety
All body scanners in Australia use non-ionising millimetre-wave technology. This means they do not emit ionising radiation like that of x-rays. The low intensity waves and short duration of the scan means you are exposed to less energy than other common everyday devices such as mobile phones. The millimetre-waves are reflected off the surface of the skin and do not penetrate the body. There are no known health risks from undergoing a scan so travellers who have a medical condition or are pregnant should not be concerned. If you are concerned about a medical or physical condition that prevents you from being scanned by a body scanner, please advise the security screening officer.
Privacy
Body scanners used in Australia are equipped with special enhancements to protect your privacy. Images are displayed as a generic stick figure to highlight areas that require further investigation (see example shown below). Scanners cannot store any personal or identifying information about passengers.
Before introducing this technology, the Government consulted with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, Vision Australia and the Gender Centre and Organisation Intersex International, about privacy concerns.
Special needs
The Government understands that you may have concerns about how body scanners impact your individual circumstances. For more information, see the Australian Government’s advice on Travellers with specific needs.
Dangerous Goods
Dangerous goods are items or substances that may endanger the safety of aircraft or persons on board an aircraft. Please contact the airline you are flying with for details of prohibited and allowable items.
Alternatively, please visit the Civil Aviation Safety Authority website for details.
Inappropriate Jokes and Comments
Any comment made, even if in jest, regarding the possession or knowledge of possession of a weapon or explosive device will be taken seriously and may result in prosecution and/or refusal by the airline to carry you as a passenger.
Unattended Items
Baggage and personal items must not be left unattended at the Airport or in the terminal building for security and crime prevention reasons. Unattended items may be removed and quarantined for security reasons.
Please ensure that all baggage has your name and home address details on the inside and your name and destination displayed on the outside. Airlines provide luggage tags at the check-in counters for this purpose.
Filming and Photography
Passengers and visitors may take cameras into the departures lounge, however photos may not be taken of check-in counters, check-in staff, security procedures, equipment or security staff.
For any other filming or photography at Port Macquarie Airport, please contact Airport Operations on 0418 408 529.
Airport Security Restricted Zones
Port Macquarie Airport is a security-controlled Airport. Security-restricted zones have been established in accordance with the Australian Government Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 and Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005. Unauthorised access into these areas carries significant penalties.
