The UK government has delayed the planned easing of restrictions on liquids in hand luggage for passengers transiting via British airports.
Currently, transiting passengers are under the same restrictions as travellers from within the European union – liquids must be carried in small containers of no more than 100ml, inside a resealable plastic bag.
This can cause confusion, however, as sometimes travellers are not told they shouldn’t purchase full-size duty-free goods at their original airport of departure, so arrive at Heathrow with oversized liquids which must be either thrown away or checked in as hold luggage before their connecting flight.
From the end of April, passengers transiting UK airports were to be allowed to take full-sized containers of liquids on board flights.
According to reports, however, transport secretary Philip Hammond has now written to UK airports to say that "in the light of the continuing high (security) threat" this partial lifting of restrictions will now be delayed until at least the autumn.
Under an European Union directive, the full lifting of restrictions on liquids in hand luggage is due by April 13.