The planned relaxation of rules around airline passengers carrying liquids and laptops in their hand luggage in the UK has been delayed by up to a year.
The new rules which were due to take effect across major airports in the UK on 1 June 2024 mean that passengers will be able to pass through airport security without having to remove liquids and laptops from their hand luggage. Instead they will be able to carry containers holding up to two litres of liquid in their hand luggage thanks to high-tech Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray scanners which are are able to produce detailed images and detect what’s inside hand luggage.
Airports including London City, Newcastle, Birmingham and Teesside International have already installed the new CT scanners, however some of the country’s major hubs including Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester are not expected to have the technology in place for the summer deadline.
Airports were originally told to roll out new scanners by 2022, before the deadline was moved to June this year. They have had to apply individually for extensions, which could delay the new rules taking effect until June 2025. Problems for the delay in the roll out include supply chain challenges, financial investment and the need for infrastructural changes due to the additional weight of the new scanners.
Commenting on the government’s decision to offer alleviations on the new security screening regulations, Karen Dee, Chief Executive of the Airport Operators Association (AOA) commented: “Airports are making excellent progress in delivering these multimillion-pound investment programmes, which will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of aviation security in the years ahead.”
She also noted however that, “As with any programme of this complexity, there are significant challenges and we are happy the government has recognised these and agreed to extend timeframes for delivery where necessary.
“By adapting this approach, airports can ensure that they are ready to welcome passengers over the upcoming holiday periods and that their journeys are safe, secure and smooth as we make this transition.”
