Six regional airports in the UK will temporarily introduce restrictions on carrying liquids over 100ml, the Department for Transport has said.
The restrictions, first introduced almost two decades ago, are being brought back to make improvements to checkpoint systems DfT added.
Here, i takes a look at where the 100ml restrictions originated from and why would they be making a return?
What is the 100ml restriction?
The DFT first introduced the limitations on liquids in 2006, following a terror plot which looked to detonate peroxide-based liquid explosives held in drinks bottles disguised as soft drinks.
In 2019, Boris Johnson said the rules would then be eased at major airports by 2022, allowing larger quantities and eliminating the need to have liquids separately scanned.
Rishi Sunak’s government then extended the deadline to 1 June 2024 although some airports have not implemented the new restrictions.
The DfT has said that the new reintroduction, however, is not the result of a specific threat.
“This temporary move is to enable further improvements to be made to the new checkpoint systems and will only affect a small number of passengers,” a DfT spokesperson said.
“For most passengers, security measures will remain unchanged. Passengers should continue to check security requirements with their departure airport before travelling.”
Which airports are impacted?
Aberdeen, Newcastle, Leeds/Bradford, London City, Southend and Teesside are the six airports that will be affected.
These airports have Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC) in full operation which allowed them to scrap the 100ml liquid rules after introducing the high-tech CT scanners.
The scanners allow for liquids of up to two litres to stay inside cabin bags as the scanners create a 3D image of what is inside passengers’ bags.
However, now the 100ml rule will be reinforced, regardless of the new scanners.
Some airports including Inverness and Stornoway still have currently operational versions of the new scanners, and passengers will still be able to get through security with over 100ml of liquids in their hand luggage.
When are the changes happening?
The change will come into effect from midnight on Sunday.
“It is now imperative that all customers comply with the nationwide rule, to ensure a smoother and simpler transition through the airport,” Nick Barton, the chief executive of Birmingham airport told The Independent.
“A non-compliant bag with liquids over 100ml can add up to 20 minutes to each passenger’s journey through security,” he warned.
Electronics such as laptops are unaffected by the new rules.