– From November 1st 2026, Don Mueang International Airport will stop using hand-held metal detectors for secondary screening and switch to manual pat-down checks after passengers pass a walk-through metal detector or body scanner.
– The change is intended to strengthen aviation security and align with Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand Regulation No. 113 and International Civil Aviation Organization recommendations.
– The airport said screening may take slightly longer, especially at peak times, and advised passengers to allow extra time, remove metal items in the queue, and prepare bags in advance.
– Passengers with injuries, implanted medical devices or pregnancy are asked to inform security staff before screening begins. Searches will be conducted with respect for passenger rights.
Bangkok: Don Mueang International Airport will change its passenger security procedures from November 1st, replacing handheld metal-detector checks with pat-down screening after passengers pass through primary screening equipment.
The airport announced on the 27th of October that it will discontinue the use of Hand-Held Metal Detectors (HHMDs) for the relevant screening process. Instead, after passengers pass through a Walk-Through Metal Detector (WTMD) or Body Scanner, security staff will conduct manual pat-down checks when further examination is required.
The airport said the change is intended to strengthen aviation security and bring procedures into line with Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) Regulation No. 113 and recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). CAAT security standards recognise walk-through metal detectors, body scanners and pat-down searches as accepted methods of passenger screening.
Don Mueang warned that the revised procedure could make screening take slightly longer, particularly during busy periods, and advised passengers to allow additional time. To help reduce delays, travellers are asked to remove metal items while waiting in the queue and to prepare their bags so they can be placed on the scanner belt without delay. Anyone with a physical condition that could affect screening, including an injury, an implanted medical device or pregnancy, should inform a security officer before the process begins.
The airport said searches would be conducted appropriately and with respect for passengers’ rights. It did not provide further operational details on how the pat-downs will be performed.
The announcement follows other recent security adjustments at the airport, including enhanced checks of checked baggage that began in mid-October. Passengers using Don Mueang are advised to check for any further updates before travel.
