Tourists have been advised to act with caution when flying in the near future, following the Government’s announcement that liquid restrictions have been reintroduced in some airports.
The restriction was reintroduced on June 9 2024 at local airports which use Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC), which scan the hand luggage of passengers, following early findings.
A spokesperson from the Department for Transport noted that the restrictions are temporary, but will affect tourists using six popular regional airports.
They explained: “From 00:01 on Sunday June 9 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.”
The six airports affected by the temporary restrictions are Aberdeen, Leeds Bradford, London City, Newcastle, Southend and Teeside.
However, there are fears that other airports in Europe that use NGSCs, including Amsterdam Schipol, Milan and Frankfurt may also reintroduce the restriction.
The Department for Transport recommended tourists with an upcoming holiday research for any recently introduced restrictions being imposed at the airports they are visiting.
A spokesperson from the travel advice organisation ABTA encouraged tourists to be cautious when packing to avoid facing penalties when travelling in the coming weeks.
They advised: “Our best advice is to prepare for your travels with the existing rules in mind. That way, you’ll be ready to comply whatever the difficulties when returning from your destination.”
Whilst tourists will not be punished for trying to take more than 100ml of liquids through security, some items will be confiscated.
First introduced in the UK in 2006, following a foiled terror plot, nearly all airports require passengers to carry no more than 100ml of liquids in their hand luggage.
This figure includes any kind of cream, such as food or cosmetics, and aerosols, like deodorants and insect repellents.
However, the restriction also bans tourists from bringing any toxic, explosive or flammable liquids in their carry on cases or luggage that is stored in the hold.