An update on hand luggage rules at UK departure airport this summer, as some people will not have the new scanners that will allow them to carry more liquids in their luggage. This can cause tensions during the check-in and it is important that travellers know the rules that apply in each case to avoid wasting extra time.
The Government has given some airports an extension to its 1 June deadline for introducing the new 3D scanners. While many airports have already begun rolling out the new scanners, which allow passengers to carry liquids in containers of up to two litres in their hand luggage, so far only Teesside and London City have replaced all of their old scanners. Some airports have struggled to install the new scanners because of supply chain delays and extensive construction work needed to accommodate them in terminals.
The Government had originally intended for all UK airports to have installed the new scanners by December 2022, but that deadline was moved to June 2024 because of the disruption caused to the aviation industry by COVID.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “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 Government is also looking to introduce financial penalties for those airports that miss any further deadlines. Powers to achieve this under the Aviation Security Act will be explored and taken forward in the coming months.”
“We recognise 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. In some cases, airports have been required to construct entirely new screening halls.”
Gatwick plans to have its rollout completed by the first quarter of 2025 and Manchester Airports Group’s Manchester, East Midlands and Stansted airports also expect rollout in 2025.
London Luton Airport is ‘continuing to work towards the June deadline’; Edinburgh Airport will have a number of new scanners in place by June, with the remainder by the end of the year. Glasgow Airport did not give specific completion dates.
