Festive air travellers are being encouraged to safely store Christmas presents in their check-in luggage, or risk losing them, under strict security screening regulations at Mackay Airport.

About 50 000 passengers are expected to pass through the city’s busy airport in December.

Mackay Port Authority (MPA) communications manager Colin Wilson said sharp objects such as knives, nail files, scissors and cork screws would be confiscated if people attempted to carry the “presents” in carry-on luggage.

“It’s disappointing and distressing for people to surrender these items at the security screening check points – especially if they have been purchased as Christmas presents,” Mr Wilson said.

“My best advice is for passengers to place these items in their check-in luggage that’s stored in the hold of the aircraft.”

Mr Wilson said security officers seized dozens of prohibited items, such as knives and nail files each week.

“The airlines provide passengers with a detailed list of prohibited items with their boarding pass. I can only encourage people to read this information,” he said.