Starting from 9th June 2024, carrying liquids in hand luggage with more than 100ml will be temporarily restricted at select regional airports in the UK, including Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, London City, Aberdeen, Southend and Teesside airports. These airports had Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC) in operation, which had previously abolished the 100ml liquid rules after the introduction of high-tech CT scanners; with the reintroduction of restrictions, the airports are hoping to further improve their systems.
The Department for Transport explained that the reintroduction of restrictions was not in response to a specific threat but in a bid to effect changes to the new checkpoint systems. It is advised for passengers to pack liquids in hold luggage to avoid delays going through security. Liquids carried on board in hand luggage should not exceed 100ml and passengers can be subjected to questioning by airport security officers if there is any suspicion regarding their hand luggage content.
The new scanners, which are bigger and heavier than the previous versions, need physical changes in the airport security area; hence the biggest concern airports are facing is during supply chain management and the major construction work involved to install the scanners. The government had originally stipulated that all UK airports upgrade to the new scanners by 2022, but the deadline was later moved to 1st June 2024. Major airports were allowed to miss the roll-out date, while the new deadline for airports to adopt these scanners is scheduled for 1st June 2025.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper advised passengers to check with airport authorities for specific rules before travelling. The DfT previously mentioned that the Civil Aviation Authority would impose financial penalties on airports that keep missing deadlines. Birmingham Airport had already upgraded to the new equipment but had to keep the 100ml rule as there was an outstanding regulatory approval on its new screening machines.
The restrictions on taking liquids through security checkpoints were initially introduced in 2006 after a plot to bomb a transatlantic flight was foiled. The CT X-ray technology uses 3D images, unlike the previous scanning machines, to allow items to be left inside bags and liquids up to two litres will be allowed. However, issues related to supply chain management make it challenging for airports to deploy CT scanning machines. Although the six smaller airports in the UK had met the original deadline for upgrading their scanners, major airports were provided with additional time to get the scanners installed
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