The Department for Transport has granted extensions to some UK airports which have yet to finishing installing new-generation CT scanners, effectively abandoning the June 2024 deadline.
It means that for many travellers restrictions limiting passengers to carrying liquids no more than 100ml in size – which have been in place since August 2006 when a plot to blow up aircraft on transatlantic flights was discovered – will remain for up to another year.
In December 2022 the DfT announced what it called an end to the “tiny toiletries” rule by 2024, with all major airports required to replace existing 2D screening technology with more advanced CT security scanners by June of this year.
Some airports including London City have completed the required work, but others including Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester are still in the midst of installing the new scanners.
London City airport removes 100ml liquids in hand luggage rule
The DfT said that extensions have been granted “for up to a year” on a case-by-case basis, and added that “The government is also looking to introduce financial penalties for those airports that miss any further deadlines”, with powers to achieve this under the Aviation Security Act set to be explored and taken forward in the coming months.
The department said that it recognised “that installing the new security equipment at busy airports has been a logistical challenge, with some airports having to undertake significant construction work to allow the new, extremely heavy equipment to be fitted”.
Birmingham Airport for instance is building an entirely new security screening hall, and British Airways recently closed its First Wing security lane at Heathrow to allow for the new equipment to be installed.
British Airways to close First Wing security for installation of new CT scanners
The DfT also cited “issues such as the global supply chain’s continued recovery from the pandemic” as mitigation for some airports having been unable to meet the original June deadline.
It also said that “Even with these extensions, the UK remains at the forefront of the installation of the next generation technology, with no other European country matching the scope and scale of the rollout at UK airports”.
Commenting on the news Karen Dee, chief executive of the Airport Operators Association, the trade body for UK airports, said:
“Airports are making excellent progress in delivering these multimillion-pound investment programmes, which will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of aviation security in the years ahead.
“As with any programme of this complexity, there are significant challenges, and we are happy the government has recognised these and agreed to extend timeframes for delivery where necessary.
“By adopting this approach, airports can ensure that they are ready to welcome passengers over the upcoming holiday periods and that their journeys are safe, secure and smooth as we make this transition.”
