Shanghai's two airports in Pudong and Hongqiao will conduct special security checks from Sunday to prevent any passengers from carrying explosive, flammable or chemical materials.

Asking passengers to arrive two hours before their departure time, the city's airport authority said the beefed-up security measures will last until the end of the Beijing Olympics.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said on July 7 that passengers carrying explosive or flammable materials will be dealt with in accordance with the law, and are liable to miss their flights.

Security equipment will also be installed at the entrances of airport terminals in major cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Qingdao.

The authority said local security staff will use a "test paper" to detect any prohibited items inside passengers' baggage, but did not elaborate.

In addition, everyone entering the terminals - including airport staff - will be required to pass through security checks.

Motorists are advised not to park in front of terminal buildings in order to prevent traffic jams.

Passengers are not allowed to take liquids or gels on domestic flights, but can take one kind of cosmetic with a volume of no more than 100 ml.

(China Daily July 19, 2008)