International flight luggage in Brazil will now be photographed as part of enhanced security measures aimed at preventing luggage swaps by criminals at destination airports.
According to the Minister of Ports and Airports, Márcio França, the government’s plan includes “the installation of cameras at airports to capture images of passengers’ luggage before boarding.
Passengers will then receive a message on WhatsApp containing a photograph of their luggage, allowing them to verify their identity.”
In addition to photographing luggage, other measures in the plan involve the installation of X-ray and body scanners, cameras in the check-in area, the use of liquid and explosive detectors, as well as restrictions on the use of cell phones by airport staff in certain areas. Minister França emphasized that “organized crime often blackmails individuals working in the internal areas of airports,” making the restriction on access to cell phones crucial.
The initial implementation of these measures will take place in Guarulhos (São Paulo), Brazil’s largest airport, with a planned investment of R$ 40 million. Subsequently, the plan will be extended to other airports serving international flights before being implemented nationwide, the minister added.
Furthermore, Minister França revealed ongoing negotiations with low-cost airlines to introduce their operations in Brazil. These airlines typically offer lower fares by providing limited services compared to other companies in the sector.
Source: Agência Brasil