London City Airport is becoming the first in the UK to get rid of the 100ml liquid limit thanks to new technology, in time for Easter and the school holidays.
New CT machines, similar to ones used in hospitals, are replacing the airport’s old machines by the end of March.
The new liquid limit will be two litres, and travellers will no longer need to place creams and cosmetic items in a plastic bag separate to the rest of their luggage, in the biggest relaxation in aviation security in decades.
The same goes for laptops – they will not need to be removed from passenger bags to be scanned separately.
The airport, located in Royal Docks near Canary Wharf, will introduce the changes from the end of March, ahead of the school holidays on April 3 and Easter weekend between April 7 and 10.
It’s hoped the move will speed up wait times at security.
Robert Sinclair, the airport’s chief executive: “The new lanes will not only cut hassle but also queuing times, which I know passengers will love.”
The new machines, and therefore new liquid rules, 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 CT machines produce a high-resolution 3D scan of passengers’ bags and allow them to be inspected by staff from every angle. Older machines only produce a 2D image.
London City Airport already has two new-generation CT scanners in operation.
The airport 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 and Birmingham.
The technology is already being used in the US and Amsterdam.
Restrictions on the size of liquids were put into place in 2006 after a terror attack using liquid explosives was thwarted at Heathrow.
