Security is a top priority

Safety and security around the Newcastle Airport precinct is of the highest priority.  Newcastle Airport works closely with all government regulators relating to aviation safety and security.  

Passenger screening is performed to government and regulation standards using x-ray machines, walk-through metal detectors and hand-held detectors.  Security staff also use explosive trace detection (ETD) systems at the passenger screening point to randomly screen passengers and carry-on goods. 

Newcastle Airport has an extensive network of closed circuit television cameras which operate 24-hours a day.  

Passenger Screening Point

Under Australian Federal law all passengers departing from Newcastle Airport are subject to aviation securtiy screening. Newcastle Airport uses walk-through metal detectors, x-rays and explosive trace detection (ETD) equipment to detect items specified in the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.

Items NOT permitted on board an aircraft must be surrended at the passenger screening point.

Prohibited items include but are not limited to:

• blunt objects capable of bludgeoning or threatening to bludgeon a person (Cricket bat, snooker cue, fishing rod) 
• sharp items (knife, scissors, waiters friend, screwdriver)
• dangerous goods (aerosols with no lid, fireworks, flammable items, poisons)
• items capable of restraining a person (fishing line, cable ties, tape, rope, Oki Straps)
• weapons (firearms, explosives)

This list is not exhaustive. Security screening staff assess items based on current security regulations and risks associated with each individual item. Newcastle Airport receives large amounts of surrendered items on a daily basis, as such these items cannot be returned.

Passengers with special needs

Passengers with special needs comfortably pass through the Airport daily, however preparation is required prior to entering the passenger screening point. Some examples of passengers with special needs are listed below; passengers with special needs may request private screening.

Medical Implants

Passengers are to advised the screening officer of their condition and request separate screening to avoid passing through any machines that may affect them e.g. pacemakers, cochlear implants.

Artificial Limbs/Prosthesis

Passengers are to advise the screening officer of their condition and request separate screening to avoid passing through a metal detector.

Walking aids

Walking aids must be screened and as such may require X-Ray or Explosive Trace Detection. Newcastle Airport provides chairs and walking aids for you during this process.

Wheel chairs

Passengers with wheelchairs will be required to undergo screening by way of pat down search by a security officer of the same sex. Please advise security officers of your requirements when you arrive at the screening point.

The screening points are equipped with seats and walking aides which can be provided by our screening staff on request. Our screening officers endevour to treat all passengers with dignity and respect during these processes.

Dangerous Goods

A wide range of articles and substances such as pesticides, petrol, acids, aerosols and bleaches are considered dangerous goods. These items are not allowed on aircraft as they are capable of posing significant risk to health and safety when transported by air. Further information on dangerous goods can be found at www.casa.gov.au

Checked bag screening

Checked bag screening (CBS) is an important aviation security measure that examines passengers’ luggage to ensure that explosives are not taken on-board aircraft. CBS operates by using a number of methods including:

• x-ray examination
• testing for chemical residues using explosive trace detection equipment, and
• physical search. 

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 should, under no circumstances, be left unattended.  Any unattended item at the Airport will be treated as a suspicious item. 

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 for this purpose at the check-in counters. 

Passenger drop-off and pick-up

Newcastle Airport has provision for the drop-off of passengers at the departures end of the terminal.  Due to Government security requirements, your car must not be left unattended at anytime.  No pick-up is available in front of the terminal.  If you are fare-welling passengers, please park in the car park.  Failure to comply with security requirements may result in a fine of up to $5,500. 

Any unattended vehicle may incur an infringement notice and be towed.  If you are asked to move your vehicle by a traffic officer, please do so as this means you have either parked illegally or have exceeded the set-down time limit.  

Filming and photography

Passengers and visitors may take cameras into the departures lounge, however photos may not be taken of check-in counters and staff or security procedures and staff. 

For any other filming or photography on Newcastle Airport, please contact Aviation Business Development on 02 4928 9800.

Terminal evacuation

In the event of an evacuation from the terminal building, you will be notified by the sounding of an alarm.  When notified to evacuate make your way to the nearest exit and proceed to the evacuation point at the Public Bus stop (exit and continue left from either Arrivals or Departures doors).  Please follow any directions given by fire wardens (identified by red or yellow caps/helmets) and uniformed staff.  

When it is safe to re-enter the building, Airport security and airline staff will be given priority, followed by other Airport staff and passengers.  This ensures that systems are re-activated to process passengers. 

In the event of an evacuation, please take all your luggage and possessions with you, unless specifically directed to leave it by wardens. 

Lockers

For security reasons, storage facilities are not available at Newcastle Airport.  Newcastle Airport is not permitted to hold items such as car keys, surrendered items or baggage.  Passengers are advised to talk to their airline to make alternative arrangements.

Information relating to your airline