Air travelers who were looking forward to an end to the 100ml liquid limit in cabin baggage are facing renewed restrictions, as both UK and EU airports reintroduce the rule due to technical issues with new security scanners.
Some EU airports, such as those in Rome and Amsterdam, had previously eased the 100ml restriction after implementing advanced CT X-ray technology that should have allowed larger volumes of liquids and kept laptops in bags. However, a technical problem with the scanners has led to the reinstatement of the 100ml limit across EU airports. The exact nature of the issue has not been disclosed, but reports suggest that the scanners were not accurately detecting certain liquid containers.
The Airports Council International (ACI) Europe criticized this reversal, calling it a setback for passengers and a financial blow to airports that invested in the new technology. Olivier Jankovec, ACI Europe’s director general, emphasized that while security is paramount, the reintroduction of the limit penalizes airports that were early adopters of the new systems.
In the UK, predictions that all airports would eliminate the liquid limit this year have not materialized. While smaller airports like London City and Teesside met the June 2024 deadline to install the new scanners and lift the restrictions, larger airports like Heathrow and Gatwick did not, citing construction work and supply chain issues. Consequently, the UK government also reimposed the 100ml limit in mid-June, frustrating airport officials who had already adjusted their processes.
The European Commission stated that the reintroduction of the 100ml limit is not due to any new security threats but is necessary to address a temporary technical issue. There is no timeline for when the rules might be relaxed again, and both the EU and UK governments are working with manufacturers and international partners to resolve the issues.
For now, passengers should expect the 100ml liquid limit to remain in place and check the specific rules at both their departure and return airports before traveling.
