Why passengers are asked to remove their shoes at airports

Tengrinews.kz - Many travelers are familiar with the request to remove their shoes during airport security checks. It often leaves passengers wondering: why take off your shoes, which are just part of your outfit and don’t seem suspicious? Tengrinews.kz looked into the reasons behind this practice and whether it’s truly necessary.

On social media, passengers frequently ask: “Why do airports often ask you to remove your shoes at security?” To get a clear answer, Tengrinews.kz spoke with Nauat Aituganova, Head of Public Relations at Astana International Airport.

She explained that the request is not just a formality, but a standard aviation security measure implemented at airports around the world.

“Passengers are sometimes asked to take off their shoes when going through security. While it may seem excessive to some, this requirement is based on safety concerns. Prohibited items can be hidden in shoes, and thick soles or concealed metal components can make it harder for scanners to detect them,” Aituganova said.

The practice, she noted, dates back to December 2001.

“This all started after an incident in December 2001, when British citizen Richard Reid attempted to bring explosives onboard a plane by hiding them in the soles of his shoes. The plot was foiled, but the case became a turning point for airport security procedures worldwide. Since then, shoe checks have become a common requirement in many countries,” she explained.

Aituganova emphasized that today’s airport security procedures are shaped by years of real-life experience and risk analysis.

“Simple steps—like removing your shoes and going through screening—help ensure the safety of all passengers. It’s not a whim, but a necessary measure based on hard lessons and the goal of preventing future threats,” she added.

So, next time you’re asked to remove your shoes at a checkpoint, don’t be frustrated—it’s part of the standard safety protocols designed to protect everyone on board.

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