In December 2022, the Department for Transport announced a “major shake-up of airport security rules” focused on the screening of liquids and electrical items. Airports were set a deadline of June 2024 to install new security technology, that would lead to the end of the 100ml limit on liquids in hand luggage at large airports. The rule was implemented in 2006 after a foiled terror plot to detonate liquid explosives held in drinks bottles on transatlantic flights.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said that the new technology would ultimately improve passengers’ airport experience by reducing queuing times, while enhancing security. However, that deadline has been missed by the UK’s busiest airports, causing confusion for travellers at the end of the May half-term holiday.
By 1 June, 2024, only a handful of the UK’s 30-or-so airports has installed the technology mandated by the new legislation. The country’s busiest hubs – Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester – are among those that have failed to meet the deadline. They have been granted a “case-by-case” extension of one year to install the new CT scanners, which are heavier and bigger than existing scanners. Some airport infrastructure has had to be reconfigured – and in some cases reinforced – to allow for the new equipment.
The hospital-style CT scanners use X-ray technology to screen the contents of hand luggage in 3D, using algorithms to detect threats. The upgraded scanners are being phased in and trialled at many airports, including Heathrow, but not yet at full capacity. For example, Edinburgh airport has one lane with a CT scanner while the rest are old-style scanners. It advises that all passengers should continue to follow existing rules, limiting liquids to 100ml in one clear plastic bag. Gatwick airport has some CT scanners in place and plans to have completed installation by spring 2025.
UK airports with new CT scanners installed by June 2024
- London City
- London Southend
- Teesside
- Newcastle
- Birmingham – 100ml rule applies
- Aberdeen
- Inverness
- Stornoway
- Bristol – from 14 June 2024, with a 330ml limit on liquids
These six airports have met the June deadline for fully operational CT scanners, meaning that liquids and electronics no longer have to be removed from hand luggage during the security screening process. London City says it can now process up to 30 per cent more passengers per hour.
However, it is not until the airport has received regulatory approval that the restriction on the volume of liquids can be relaxed to allow passengers to carry up to 2l of liquids in their hand luggage. For example, outstanding regulatory approval means that passengers will be limited to 330ml of liquids at Bristol airport.
Birmingham airport says: “Whilst we expect that passengers will be able to carry up to 2 litres of liquids in their hand luggage; due to an outstanding regulatory approval, which is out of the control of Birmingham airport, only liquids up to 100ml can currently be carried.”
Even passengers flying from airports with both new scanners and regulatory approval to relax restrictions may find that they come unstuck if they are travelling with full-size toiletries in hand luggage to airports that do not yet have the upgraded scanners. The 100ml rules would still apply on their return journey.
Abta, the travel association, issued a warning to holidaymakers during May half-term to stick to the current 100ml rules for liquids and laptops to be taken out of bags to avoid potential delays and confusion.
The ARA added: “Sanctioning this practice limits the option to pay only for essential services and would force all passengers to contract the cabin baggage transport service, even if they do not need it. The consumer will be the main victim of this interference by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030 in the European single market and the freedom of tariffs protected by European law.
“We defend the consumer’s right to choose their best travel option and the freedom of airlines, like any other sector in a free market economy, to freely set the fares for their services.”