Six UK airports have reintroduced restrictions on carrying liquids for passengers, after lifting the ban earlier this year. The Department of Transport noted that the main reason for reinforcing the liquid rule is to upgrade the scanning equipment.
Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, London City, Aberdeen, Southend and Teesside have all reinstated the measure on June 9, which will be extended until June 2025, VisaGuide.World reports.
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.Â
Ban Initially Introduced to Detect Terrorism Attempts
According to Frobest Advisor, the ban on carrying out more than 100ml of liquid per container in hand luggage was introduced in 2006.
It applies to cosmetics, toiletries, pastes, creams, gels and liquid or partially liquid food as well as drinks. The ban follows terrorism attempts involving liquid explosives abroad on international flights.
There are also other requirements regarding the liquid containers. They have to be placed in clear sealable plastic bags that should not be larger than 20x20cm. Only one bag is allowed per person. Bags must be removed from luggage at security checkpoints.
UK Biggest Airports Skeptical About Reaching 2024 Target for Deploying New Scanners
The deadline for all UK airports was set on June 1, 2024. However, it was extended until June 2025 after the biggest airports such as London Heathrow, Manchester and London Gatwick were sceptical about meeting this target.
The introduction of new scanners as well as scrapping the 100ml liquid means that passengers have fewer measures when travelling. Thanks to new scanners, passengers are allowed to keep their liquids, tablets and laptops in their hand baggage during security checks.
London City issued a statement saying that despite the liquid restriction rule, passengers could still keep everything when passing through security, including here liquids and electronics.
Airports like Luton, Manchester, Gatwick and Heathrow all have yet to install the scanning devices although they were supposed to have deployed the devices as of June 1.
The government says that this ensures a smooth transition and that most passengers will not notice anything different about their security check. Either way, it is recommended to carry out smaller amounts of liquids when travelling.