- Government sets June 2024 deadline for airports to install
new security technology, spelling eventual end to 100ml rule on
liquids at large airports
- In future, passengers will be able to leave liquids and large
electrical items in cabin luggage as they go through security,
reducing hassle for passengers
- As changes will be gradual over next two years, current rules
will continue to apply and passengers should check with airports
and airlines before travelling
The rules around taking liquids and large electrical items
through airport security are set to change by 2024 with the
installation of new technology at major airports across the
UK.
Over the next two years, most major airports will introduce
cutting edge systems into their security checkpoints, ushering in
a new era of improved security and passenger experience when
going through departures.
Not only will it mean greater convenience for travellers – as
people will no longer need to spend time taking items out of
their bags – but it will also enhance passenger safety, as
security staff will have more detailed images of what people are
carrying.
The Government is laying new legislation today (15 December)
which will make it easier to streamline the processes that apply
to UK airports in the future. By allowing us to take
advantage of the latest advancements, such as developments in
screening technology, it will help us to further improve the
already high security standards in the UK.
Transport Secretary said:
“The tiny toiletry has become a staple of airport security
checkpoints, but that’s all set to change. I’m streamlining cabin
bag rules at airports while enhancing security.
“By 2024, major airports across the UK will have the latest
security tech installed, reducing queuing times, improving the
passenger experience, and most importantly detecting potential
threats.
“Of course, this won’t happen straight away – this is going to
take two years to be fully implemented. Until then, passengers
must continue following the existing rules and check before
travelling.”
Passengers are currently required to remove tablets, laptops and
liquids from their cabin baggage, while liquids have been limited
to 100ml and must be in a clear plastic bag. This requirement
will eventually be lifted, and the 100ml liquid container limit
will be extended to 2 litres.
Airports now have until June 2024 to upgrade their screening
equipment and processes. Until then, passengers must follow the
same rules as now until further notice or unless told otherwise.
Crucially, they should check with their specific airport before
travelling to see which rules are in place.
They should also check the rules for carrying liquids at any
airport through which they may transfer during their journey and
at their return airport, as many destinations may not have
implemented this new technology.
Christopher Snelling, Policy Director at The Airport
Operators Association (AOA), said:
“This investment in next generation security by the UK’s airport
operators will provide a great step forward for UK air travel,
matching the best in class around the world.
"It will make the journey through the UK’s airports easier and
air travel itself more pleasant.”
The new deadline follows several trials conducted at some
airports since 2018, which have demonstrated the effectiveness of
this new screening equipment – which uses CT X-ray technology to
essentially provide a 3D image of what’s in passengers’ bags, as
well as deploying highly advanced threat detection algorithms.
Similar technology is taking place in many countries globally,
with airports such as Schiphol and in the US now also making use
of the technology.
It will further enhance our airports’ ability to detect
prohibited items but with greater convenience for passengers. The
current liquids rules, which were introduced in 2006 following a
terrorist threat, have been designed to stop those with hostile
intent carrying liquid explosives on to planes.
