UK airports are criticising the reimplementation of the 100ml liquid limit following the installation of new high-tech scanning equipment in January.
From midnight on Sunday, June 9, six regional airports in the UK re-introduced the liquid limit rule for passengers travelling from Aberdeen, Leeds Bradford, London City, Newcastle, Southend and Teesside airports, reported theguardian.com.
London City Airport notified travellers that the 100ml liquid rule would be temporarily re-introduced and assured passengers that its scanners can scan liquids and electronics inside hand luggage, so there is no need to remove these items.
“Passengers travelling through London City Airport can still keep everything, including all liquids and large electronics, in their hand luggage when passing through security,” said the airport in its statement.
The UK government required the installation of new 3D imaging security scanners at all airports by June 1, but larger airports were offered an extension for the implementation of the system.
While some regional airports had completed the new scanner installations and scrapped the liquid restriction, international hubs were still in the process of completing installations and were on the verge of implementing the new liquid limit. Once fully implemented, the rule will allow passengers to carry up to 2l of liquid and devices such as laptops in their carry-on bags without removing them to go through security.
The Airport Operators Association and 30 airport executives have now written to the Department for Transport (DfT) following the re-introduction of the liquid limit rule that has left airports frustrated and passengers confused.
According to bbc.com, the Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, insists that the re-introduction of the old limit is a temporary measure done to improve the scanners’ efficacy. For now, passengers will need to separate any liquids that they are carrying into 100ml bottles and ensure these are carried in zip-lock bags.
Work with international partners to improve the new checkpoint systems and lift the liquid restriction is under way, however, it is unclear how long it will take.
Passengers travelling through the UK’s airports are urged to follow advisories to understand how they might be impacted.