Travellers will continue to face limits on the amount of liquid they can carry onboard flights departing the UK after the government on Thursday (4 April) extended the deadline for airports to install new security scanners to 2025.
The Department for Transport had previously set a 1 June 2024 target for the installation of new CT scanners across all UK airports in order to end the longstanding 100ml limit on liquids allowed in hand luggage.
However this deadline has now been extended to June 2025 after major airports such as London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester expressed concerns about reaching the 2024 target.
In a statement, DfT said global supply chain shortages have contributed to the delay and that extensions to the initial June 2024 deadline have been given “on a case-by-case basis”. However, the department added that financial penalties will be imposed on airports that continue to miss future deadlines.
The scanners, which have already been installed across all security lanes at London City airport and Teesside airport, use CT X-ray technology to provide clearer, 3D images, meaning items can be left inside bags and liquids up to two litres will be permitted.
Transport secretary Mark Harper said: “These cutting-edge scanners will make air travel safer and easier for passengers by strengthening security even further.
“The UK is leading the world with its roll-out of this technology, but it’s important we give those airports yet to meet the deadline a second chance to get the job done. Until they do, passengers should continue to check before travelling.”
The Business Travel Association (BTA) welcomed the news, saying “it is vital to ensure safety as a top priority for all passengers”.
“The extension will allow our airports crucial time for a hopefully smooth and successful nationwide rollout of the new security technology and processes – which we will support at every stage,” said BTA CEO Clive Wratten.
As the rollout continues, UK-based TMC consortium Advantage Travel Partnership warned travellers must have a clear understanding of the rules and restrictions in place at each airport in order to avoid any disruption.
“With travellers now facing different rules depending on their departure airport this could potentially result in significant delays at security unless they receive the necessary guidance beforehand,” said Advantage CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said.
“It is important that UK airports collectively work with the government to ensure there is very clear messaging around the rules so both leisure and business travellers have complete clarity as to what is required.”
She added: “We would advise all travellers to continue travelling as usual and keep to the current 100ml rules, this way it won’t impact them if their departure airport has different rules to their inbound airport, or to check the requirements with the airports they’re using before their departure.”