Jiang Chunshui, a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the Party Secretary of the East China Regional Administration of Civil Aviation, has put forward a proposal for optimizing security measures at Shanghai airports. He recommends that, while still carrying out the necessary basic anti – explosive screenings, Shanghai airports should abolish the routine security checks for passengers and their baggage at terminal entrances. Security can be guaranteed through other means, such as making use of technology, employing big data and intelligent security systems, strengthening patrols inside terminals, and deploying explosive – sniffing dogs. These measures would maintain the same security level while offering passengers a more convenient travel journey.
The so – called “double security checks” means that passengers entering the terminals at Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao airports have to go through an additional security screening. Besides the regular security check before boarding, passengers are required to pass another security check at the terminal entrance. This includes screening baggage for explosives as well as inspecting passengers and their luggage.
In his proposal, Jiang Chunshui pointed out that the implementation of security checks at terminal entrances has led to the concentration of security screening facilities and the reduction of terminal entry points. As a result, efficiency has declined and it has brought inconvenience to passengers. During peak hours, these security checks often cause long queues, longer waiting times, and difficulties in handling luggage. Many travelers hope that Shanghai airports will adopt the same standard procedures as other airports to offer a more seamless and convenient experience.
This kind of security check is not common in China or around the world. Currently, it is only implemented at Shanghai Pudong, Shanghai Hongqiao, and Urumqi airports.
Why does Shanghai enforce such strict “double security checks”?
Back in 2016, when the G20 Summit was about to be held in Hangzhou, the Shanghai authorities decided to upgrade airport security measures in line with counter – terrorism standards. This led to the introduction of compulsory personal and baggage security checks at all terminal entrances of Pudong and Hongqiao airports.
Originally, these enhanced security measures were supposed to be adjusted dynamically after the G20 Summit. However, they have been maintained ever since.
