Easing of UK airport security rules on liquids and laptops delayed
4761 Min Read
A planned relaxation of rules around airline passengers carrying liquids in hand luggage has been delayed by a year.
Major UK airports are believed to have been granted an extension for installing the new scanning technology after they were unable to meet the 1 June deadline.
The 12-month extension was issued by the government on a case-by-case basis and is expected to be enough time for them all to complete the work.
The new scanners produce more detailed images, meaning passengers will be allowed to pass through airport security with containers holding up to two litres of liquid in their hand luggage.
A 100ml limit currently remains in place in airports that do not have the technology, and containers must be put in clear plastic bags.
The new scanners also end the need for laptops and tablets to be removed from hand luggage.
Many airports have struggled to install the new equipment ahead of the busy summer holiday period, largely due to supply chain delays and construction difficulties caused by the weight of the machines.
It is not the first time the change has been pushed back after it was originally set to come into force in December 2022, by former prime minister Boris Johnson.
It was later pushed back to June this year after the aviation industry suffered huge disruption due to coronavirus travel restrictions.
The British government has now said that financial penalties could be imposed for further non-compliance after the extension runs out.
