OTS suspends shoe removal policy at airports

The Office for Transportation Security announced on Monday that the mandatory shoe removal policy in all international airport terminals in the country was "suspended" immediately after the agency issued a directive order dated 13 October 2023, signed by OTS Administrator Undersecretary MA O. Aplasca addressed to all regional chiefs, terminal chiefs, shift-in-charge, checkpoint supervisors and all security screening officers nationwide.

The directive came after Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista ordered the suspension of the shoe removal policy in all airports in the country following complaints of congestion and longer queuing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Departing passengers bound for the United States are required to undergo inspection and shoe removal at the final security checkpoint.

However, the directive will not cover those stipulated or required during or under the following:
▪︎ Screening of passengers and flight crew using body scanners
▪︎ During heightened alert
▪︎ Alarm resolution

The OTS said that the mandatory shoe removal policy was implemented on 10 July 2023 and covered all international departing passengers, including airport personnel and airline crew.

The agency added that the removal of shoes was a adopted following the shoe bombing attempt in an American Airlines flight in 2001, and had been effective in detecting prohibited items, including explosives and other dangerous materials that may be concealed inside footwear.

On 1 December 2022, the first security X-ray machines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals were taken out of service to provide space for departing international travelers and their bags and reduce their "stress."

Only one security check is in place at this time — the final check right after the immigration area, where high-tech X-ray machines, body scanners and metal detectors are in place to ensure all passengers are well screened.