10 UK airports scrap major hand luggage rule – full list | UK | News

Travellers across the UK can now look forward to a smoother airport experience as 10 major airports scrap the long-standing 100ml liquid limit in hand luggage, thanks to the rollout of advanced 3D CT scanning technology. The move marks a significant shift in airport security, ending a rule that has frustrated passengers since it was introduced in 2006.

The Department for Transport confirmed that several regional and international airports have successfully adopted the new scanners, allowing passengers to carry liquids of up to 2 litres in their hand luggage without needing to remove them during security checks.

Airports where the liquid rule has been scrapped:

Birmingham

Bristol

Edinburgh

Gatwick

Leeds Bradford

London City

Luton

Newcastle

Southend

Teesside

In addition to easing liquid restrictions, passengers at these airports can also keep electronic devices like laptops inside their bags during screening, a stark contrast to the usual security routine.

The change is part of a wider Government initiative aimed at modernising security infrastructure and cutting wait times. Originally, the new scanning technology was to be in place across all UK airports by June 2024.

However, key hubs such as Heathrow, Manchester, and Stansted missed the deadline due to technical delays, with some machines facing unexpectedly high rejection rates that prompted hand-search backups.

Although the technology has been well-received at airports that have successfully rolled it out, not all UK terminals are ready just yet. A Department for Transport spokesperson noted that implementation timelines will vary, and travellers are urged to check current security rules before heading to the airport.

The new 3D scanners offer a more detailed view of hand luggage contents, using imaging software that allows security officers to rotate and inspect bags without opening them.

This not only improves efficiency but also enhances security by providing clearer detection of potential threats.

Until the rollout is completed nationwide, passengers flying from airports still using older machines must adhere to the 100ml rule and remove liquids and electronics from their bags.