Liverpool Airport reveals when it will install new scanners that will mean an end to the 100ml liquids rule amid fears UK airports may miss June deadline. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) has revealed when it plans to have new scanners installed that will see the 100ml rule on liquids finally come to an end.
Last year the UK Government set a deadline to June 2024 for the installation of the scanners that will allow passengers to carry up to two litres of liquids through security. They will also eliminate the need for people to take out laptops and tablets.
Before Christmas there were reports that some UK airports will miss the deadline and holidaymakers will still be subject to the existing rules during the peak summer getaway.
However, LJLA has confirmed to LBN that it aims to have its new scanners up and running by Easter, the traditional start of the summer season. It will be in time for the arrival of Jet2 which is launching more than 20 routes from Liverpool.
Earlier this year, London City Airport became the first airport in the UK to permanently install the latest CT X-ray technology to provide a 3D image of what’s in passengers’ bags.
Following a successful trial of the technology the UK Government mandated all airports to have the new scanners installed and in operation by mid-2024.
It will mean passengers will no longer have to remove items such as tablets, laptops and liquids from their cabin baggage.
Until now, liquids have been limited to 100ml and must be in a clear plastic bag. This requirement will eventually be lifted, and the 100ml liquid container limit will be extended to two litres.
It is expected this will speed up the time it takes passengers to move through airport security.
This technology is also being introduced at other airports overseas but passengers will still have to beware of restrictions from some airports when travelling back to the UK.
It was in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that security at airports was tightened considerably.
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In August 2006, British security services uncovered a plot to carry improvised explosive devices onboard several transatlantic flights and detonate these during flight.
The plot involved using hydrogen peroxide as an explosive. This would be carried onboard inside standard drinks containers so as not to arouse suspicions at security, and subsequently assembled into a bomb onboard. This led to the 100ml liquids rule.