Ban on liquids in airports to be lifted
THE ban on liquids over 100ml for people going through airport security will be lifted as a result of new scanning technology.
Passengers will also be allowed to keep water bottles and creams in their hand luggage as they pass through security, thanks to new 3D scanners, Boris Johnson has announced.
All major UK airports will be required to have the equipment, which could also allow passengers to keep laptops and liquids in bags without having to remove them for checks.
The plans will reduce the use of plastic bags in airports as passengers will no longer be required to display their toiletries in them before being allowed through security.
“We are home to the largest aviation network in Europe, with millions of people passing through our airports every year for work, holidays and family visits,” Mr Johnson said.
“We’re set to streamline those trips with the roll-out of this ground-breaking technology – cutting down hassle for travellers and improving security measures. By making journeys through UK airports easier than ever, this new equipment will help boost the vital role our airports play in securing the UK’s position as a global hub for trade, tourism and investment.”
Heathrow Airport is running trials of the new technology ahead of a roll-out across all airports by 2022.
The 100ml limit on liquids in airport security was introduced in 2006 as a security measure.
John Holland Kaye, the chief executive of Heathrow, said the new technology will “transform the passenger experience, making air travel simple, streamlined and more secure”.
Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, said: “The new screening equipment will improve security and make the experience smoother and less stressful for passengers.
“It could also mean an end to passengers having to use plastic bags or rationing what they take away with them.
“As an outward-looking global nation, our transport hubs are more important than ever, and investing in our security infrastructure means we are investing in our nation’s future.”