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Travelers may experience uncertainty when traveling this summer as the UK’s top airports have announced they will not meet the deadline for implementing new security scanners, which would eliminate the 100ml restriction on liquids.
In late 2022, the Department for Transport (DfT) established a goal of June 2024 to remove the requirement for a “mini toiletry” at airport security checkpoints. This pledge was made by the former transport secretary, Mark Harper, acknowledging that the item had become a common part of the screening process.
According to BBC News, it appears that London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Manchester airports will not meet the deadline.
According to a consumer group, this situation could cause confusion and catch travelers off guard because although new scanners will be added, some lanes will still use the current scanners. This means that the 100ml limit for carry-on liquids will continue to be enforced.
What are the regulations regarding liquids at airports?
According to Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, it is unfortunate that certain airports may not meet the government’s deadline to implement new CT security scanners by June. These scanners have the potential to significantly reduce wait times in security lines during the busy summer travel season by allowing passengers to keep items such as laptops and liquids in their bags.
“It is crucial for passengers to check the rules and procedures at their specific airport before traveling to avoid any issues. However, the lack of uniformity may cause confusion for many travelers and potentially cause delays.”
Sally Gethin, an expert in aviation, suggests that the reason for the delays may be attributed to both the weight and cost of the scanners.
According to her interview with BBC News, she mentioned that the floors in the terminal may require reinforcement at times, and the cost is significant because it utilizes cutting-edge technology.
Heathrow airport has a total of 146 security lanes, which is greater than the combined number of security lanes at all other airports in the UK. This makes the task of setting up and managing the security system a challenging process, particularly when trying to minimize disruptions for passengers already going through security.
Several of the terminals at Heathrow Airport, specifically T2, T3, and T5, have recently implemented new scanning technology. It is anticipated that T4 will also have these scanners in place by the summer. When contacted by The Independent, the largest airport in the UK did not provide a statement.
A representative from London Gatwick airport stated that they will have completed the installation of advanced security scanners in both terminals by June 2024. They also mentioned that the remaining scanners will be installed after the busy summer season in Q1 2025.
According to The Independent, MAG, the company that manages Manchester, Stansted, and East Midlands airports, stated that they plan to implement new scanners on “a significant portion of our security lanes” by June 2024. The entire program is projected to be finished by 2025.
A spokesperson stated that this is a challenging project that involves enlarging terminal facilities while also ensuring continued operations throughout the construction process.
“We are gradually implementing the new technology at Manchester and London Stansted airports, with multiple lanes already functioning. Additionally, we are currently working on significant construction projects at Manchester and East Midlands airports to enlarge the terminal spaces in order to accommodate the new equipment.”
The Department for Transport has been asked to provide a statement.
The 100ml limit on liquids has been enforced since November 2006. This regulation was implemented following a complete prohibition of liquids in the cabin three months prior, due to a thwarted terrorist plot involving liquid explosives hidden in drink containers that could have caused the destruction of 10 planes.
Source: independent.co.uk
