Travelers will save as much as 10 minutes when security channels at terminal one of Hong Kong International Airport's (HKIA) are beefed up in a HK$90 million project.

It can take passengers 15 minutes or more to clear security and immigration during peak hours though 94 percent of travelers in 2007/2008 were cleared on average in 4 minutes each, Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) general manager Henry Ma Yiu-man said on July 9.

Ma said the plan was to increase the number of security channels from 18 to 32 in the third quarter next year.

He said that while the opening of e-channels for permanent identity card holders had sped up immigration clearance, tightened security measures and the growing number of passengers had extended waiting times. There was a need to adjust the two procedures, he said.

Ma said security zones were smaller than immigration zones at both north and south gates before the reconfiguration. The authority will switch the two zones, which will allow the setting up of more security channels. However, the number of immigration desks open and e-channels will remain unchanged.

The reconfiguration at the south gate began on July 4. Travelers are already required to clear security before completing immigration formalities. To ensure services to passengers are not affected, one new security channel has been set up in addition to the existing nine.

Ma said the reconfiguration will reduce inconvenience to travelers. If prohibited items are found in their carry-on luggage during security checks, travelers can pass them to family members or friends for safe keeping instead of having to toss the items away.

Ma said the reconfiguration of the north gate will begin in autumn while the expansion of the departures immigration hall at terminal two will be determined on a need basis.

The security upgrade is a part of a HK$4.5 billion program to enhance airport facilities.

Photograph: Night scene of HKIA T2.