Shutterstock
The government is giving UK airports an extension on requirements to install next-generation security scanners that will end the 100ml liquid restrictions.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said that due to issues, including the global supply chain’s continued recovery from the pandemic, some airports have been unable to upgrade their security checkpoints before the previously-announced deadline of 1 June 2024.
It has now extended the deadline by a year on a case-by-case basis after airports including Heathrow and Gatwick already admitted they would not meet the deadline.
Heathrow has already installed the scanners in Terminals 2, 3 and 5, with forthcoming additions to Terminal 4. As the largest airport in the UK, it had to upgrade 146 security lanes in total. The airport, which has been trialling the new technology since 2019, said that under current technology at least 60% of bags rejected at security checkpoints are subjected to hand searches because passengers haven't removed all liquids from bags.
First announced in 2018, the new scanners detect prohibited items with greater accuracy, which means passengers no longer need to take items out of their hand luggage. Airports were originally supposed to install the new scanners by 2022, but this was pushed back following significant disruption on the aviation sector in the wake of the pandemic. Once in place, travellers will be able to take greater quantities of liquids through security, meaning an end to 100ml limits.
The limitation on liquids has been in place since 2006 after British police uncovered a terrorist plot to detonate liquid explosives disguised as soft drinks on a series of transatlantic flights.
The government said that while it has offered the extensions, it will consider “serious financial penalties” for airports that continue to lag behind their new deadlines.
“These cutting-edge scanners will make air travel safer and easier for passengers by strengthening security even further,” said transport secretary Mark Harper.
“The UK is leading the world with its roll-out of this technology, but it’s important we give those airports yet to meet the deadline a second chance to get the job done. Until they do, passengers should continue to check before travelling.”
The DfT said that even with the 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 roll-out at UK airports.
The new security equipment has proven to be a logistical challenge at some busy airports, with some having to undertake significant construction work to allow the new, extremely heavy equipment to be fitted. In some cases, airports have been required to construct entirely new screening halls.
Karen Dee, chief executive of the Airport Operators Association, the trade body for UK airports, said: “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.”
