Xinjiang has banned non-travelers from entering Urumqi International Airport's terminal, Xinhua news agency reported today, citing an airport official.

The official made the remarks after two suspected terrorists attempted to cause an air disaster on a China Southern Airlines flight from Urumqi to Beijing on March 7.

All travelers should enter the terminal building after showing air tickets and identity cards or passports, the report said.

Those who come to wish relatives or friends well can wait outside the terminal building, the report added.

Most travelers said they supported the new measure as it can improve security before the Beijing Olympics in August, the report said.

The foiled air attack was plotted by Eastern Turkestan separatist forces in Xinjiang, Wang Lequan, Party chief of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, said yesterday in Beijing.

Two terror suspects, including a Uygur woman aged 19, were detained by police after the plane cut short its journey and landed in Lanzhou, capital of Gansu Province, two hours after taking off from Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang.

The plane arrived in Beijing the next morning with all passengers and crew members safe.

The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China issued a notice on March 14 that banned travelers from taking liquids on to aircraft on domestic flights. The ban includes baby food, honey, cosmetics and medicine.

The industry watchdog said the move was to ensure traveler safety and security at airports.

(Shanghai Daily, March 21, 2008)