UK’s 100 ml liquid airport rule to be scrapped

London, Dec 15

Some security rules in the UK on liquids and items such as laptops in airport hand luggage will be scrapped in 2024, media reports said.

The government has set a deadline of June 2024 for most UK airports to install new high-tech 3D scanners that show more detailed images of baggage, the BBC reported.

The changes will see the 100ml liquid rule increased to two litres and mean passengers won't need to remove electrical items from bags at security, it said.

A previous installation deadline was pushed back due to the pandemic.

Passengers are currently required to remove items such as tablets, laptops, and liquids from their hand luggage while going through security checks at airports.

Liquids, such as sun cream, shampoo or toothpaste, are required to be 100ml and must be in a clear plastic bag, BBC reported.

The limits have been in place since November 2006, and their introduction marked the end of a ban on liquids in the cabin imposed three months earlier when British police said they had foiled a plot to blow up as many as ten planes using explosives hidden in drinks bottles.

The government said its requirement for airports to upgrade screening equipment to a type similar to CT scanners used in hospitals will mean; eventually, the rules on electrical items can be lifted, and the liquid limit can be extended to two litres, BBC reported.

With the legislation being phased in across the country over the next two years, current rules will still apply at airports not using the technology. Passengers are advised to check this before travelling.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said the new technology would reduce queue times to improve the "passenger experience, and most importantly detecting potential threats".

--IANS