Liquid ban rule to stay as UK delays scanner installation

LONDON – The UK government has once again pushed back the deadline for airports to introduce crucial security scanners, implying that the ban on carrying liquids is here to stay.

Originally, all large British airports were instructed to have these advanced scanners installed by June this year. However, due to hurdles faced by major airports, the deadline has now been extended by up to 12 months.

These new scanners, similar to those seen in hospitals, produce three-dimensional images of bags, allowing travelers to keep their toiletries, liquids, and laptops inside their cabin bags, thereby reducing security queues.

Presently, passengers must remove laptops, tablets, and liquids from their cabin bags, with only small quantities of liquids allowed.

While some airports, including London City, have already embraced these scanners, the government anticipates that roughly half of passengers will utilize them during this summer’s security checks.

This extension means that by June 2025, all departing passengers from the UK should have access to these new security measures. Failure by airports to meet this deadline will result in hefty fines, as per the Department for Transport.

Meanwhile, Transport Secretary Mark Harper highlighted the importance of granting airports additional time to comply, recognizing the UK’s pioneering role in deploying this technology.

The journey to install these cutting-edge scanners has been fraught with challenges. Initially slated for completion by the end of 2022, the deadline was postponed to June 2023 due to the pandemic.

The liquid restrictions were introduced in 2006 in response to terror threats, forming part of wider aviation security measures post the 9/11 attacks. While crucial for safety, the rules often leave passengers frustrated as they’re unable to carry items like perfumes in their hand luggage.