New airport liquid rules come into force

The Department for Transport has tightened rules around carrying liquids through airport security checkpoints.

UK airports have been installing security technology designed to spell an end to tiny toiletries.

First…

News

The Department for Transport has tightened rules around carrying liquids through airport security checkpoints.

UK airports have been installing security technology designed to spell an end to tiny toiletries.

First announced in 2018, the new scanners detect prohibited items with greater accuracy, meaning security staff can work more efficiently and passengers no longer need to take items out of their hand luggage – making the process simpler and saving time during security screening.

Once in place travellers will also be able to take greater quantities of liquids through security, meaning an end to 100ml limits.

However the government announced late on Friday that the planned implementation of these new rules was being halted.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “From 0001 on Sunday 9th June 2024, 100ml restrictions on liquids will temporarily be reintroduced for passengers travelling from six regional airports where Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC) are in full operation.

“This temporary move is to enable further improvements to be made to the new checkpoint systems and will only affect a small number of passengers. For most passengers, security measures will remain unchanged.

“Passengers should continue to check security requirements with their departure airport before travelling.”

The Department for Transport said it was only a change for passengers travelling from Newcastle, Leeds/Bradford, London City, Aberdeen, Southend, and Teesside airports, which represent around 6% of UK air passengers.

Other airports had made no change to the longstanding rules on carrying liquids.

It added that the change was a routine measure and not in response to a specific threat.