London airport officially scraps 100ml liquids rule in hand luggage from today

People travelling through London City Airport will no longer to have to limit their liquids to 100ml in their hand luggage from today.

It is the first airport in the capital – and first mainstream airport in the UK – to scrap the rules following the introduction of new high-tech CT scanners just in time for Easter.

The government has set a deadline of June 2024 for all major UK airports to install the machines.

Teeside Airport was the first in the country to scrap the limit, and already have the CT scanners in place.

The machines produce a high-resolution 3D scan of passengers’ bags, meaning staff can easily inspect them from all angles.

Travellers from City Airport now do not need to remove liquids, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices from their hand luggage for security checks.

The liquid limit will now be two litres in hand baggage, and passengers will no longer need to place these items in a clear plastic bag while going through security.

Only one cigarette lighter is allowed per person and camera film should be declared before it enters the scanner.

The airport’s chief executive Robert Sinclair said the new technology would help speed up lengthy security queues.

‘The good news for anyone planning a holiday or a business trip is that we will be the first mainstream UK airport to offer a fully CT security experience from the end of this month,’ he said.

‘The new lanes will not only cut hassle but also queuing times, which I know passengers will love.’

A spokesperson previously told Metro.co.uk: ‘We’re very pleased that the new machines in operation now and have our full compliment of four in place ahead of the Easter getaway.’

The 100ml rule was introduced in 2006 after a foiled terror attack plot using liquid explosives at Heathrow Airport.

The plan was to bring hydrogen peroxide-derived explosives onto transatlantic planes inside soft drink bottles. But this will no longer be needed thanks to new technology.

Transport secretary Mark Harper previously said: ‘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.’

Trials of the improved machines have been taking place at some of the UK’s busiest airports since 2018, including Terminal 3 in London Heathrow, Gatwick and Birmingham.

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