Rules that limit the volume of liquids allowed on planes and require electronics to be removed from carry-on luggage for safety must be changed.
The government has set a deadline of June 2024 for major UK airports to install new security technology, which will make obsolete the rule of carrying no more than 100ml of liquid in a container and remove from the hand luggage large electronic devices such as laptops and tablets. before going through the scanners.
New regulations set out by the Department for Transport remove parts of EU law governing how new technologies and processes can be implemented, allowing new technologies to be installed, a spokesman said.
The department said major airports including Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham would be subject to the deadline.
The current rules will remain in place until then.
Since a terrorist threat in 2006, liquids have been limited in volume to 100ml and must be displayed in a clear plastic bag. The rule aims to prevent liquid explosives from being carried on planes.
But this will no longer be a requirement and passengers can carry up to 2 liters of liquid for safety.
Most major airports are due to roll out the technology within the next year, Transport Secretary Mark Harper said.
“By 2024, the UK’s major airports will have the latest security technology in place, reducing queuing times, improving the passenger experience and, most importantly, detecting potential threats,” he added.
The department advised customers to check the return rules for transporting liquids at any airport where they may be traveling or transferring.
“Many destinations may not have implemented this new technology,” he said.
New 3D security scanners had been tested at some airports.
Those trials demonstrated the effectiveness of the screening equipment, the department said.
The new scanners use CT X-ray technology to provide a 3D image of the contents of passengers’ bags and deploy “highly advanced threat detection algorithms”, he added.
They are already used in airports such as Schiphol in Amsterdam.
Responding to the announcement, the Airport Operators Association (AOA) said: “This next-generation security investment by UK airport operators will be a major step forward for air travel in the UK, matching the best in class worldwide.”
“It will make traveling through UK airports easier and air travel more enjoyable,” said AOA director of policy Christopher Snelling.
Airport finances have been hit by COVID-19-related lockdowns, with passenger numbers yet to return to pre-pandemic levels at airports such as Heathrow.