London City Airport is set to become the first in the UK to scrap 100ml liquid limits for hand luggage.
The East London travel hub is ditching the requirement in time for the Easter school holidays.
New CT machines, similar to ones used in hospitals, are replacing the airport’s old scanners by the end of March.
They produce a high-resolution 3D scan of passengers’ bags which allows them to be inspected by staff from every angle.
Once they are up and running, the new liquid limit will be two litres, meaning passengers can bring big bottles of sun cream and plenty of drink for the flight.
They will also not have to put their creams and cosmetics in separate clear plastic bags.
Laptops will not need to be removed from passenger bags to be scanned separately, as part of a package of changes which is the biggest reform to airport security in years.
It’s hoped the move will speed up wait times at security.
The airport already has two CT scanners in operation, and will now add a third.
A spokesperson for the travel hub told The Times: “A final new CT scanner will be added at the end of March, meaning anyone flying in the run-up to Easter will be able to keep laptops and liquids of up to two litres inside their bags.”
Trials of the new scanners have been under way at airports since 2018, including at Terminal 3 in London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports, as well as at Birmingham.
Robert Sinclair, London City Airport's chief executive, said: “The new lanes will not only cut hassle but also queuing times, which I know passengers will love.”
The new machines will be rolled out across all major UK airports, the Government announced in December, with a deadline of June 2024 to install the new technology.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said at the time: “The tiny toiletry has become a staple of airport security checkpoints, but that’s all set to change.
“I’m streamlining cabin bag rules at airports while enhancing security.
“By 2024, major airports across the UK will have the latest security tech installed, reducing queuing times, improving the passenger experience, and most importantly detecting potential threats.”
The 100m liquid rule has been in place at UK airports since 2006, after the transatlantic aircraft plot.
Terrorist had schemed to detonate liquid explosives carried aboard planes travelling from the UK to US and Canada, disguised as soft drinks.
The plot was discovered by Metropolitan police during an extensive surveillance operation.
