Six British airports are set to reinstate a temporary ban on carrying liquids over 100ml as the rollout of 3D scanning technology encounters another setback. Effective from midnight on Sunday, passengers travelling from London City, Aberdeen, Newcastle, Leeds/Bradford, Southend, and Teesside airports will be impacted by this change.
These airports had Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC) in operation, which allowed them to eliminate the 100ml liquid rule. However, due to complications with the implementation of 3D scanning technology, the ban will be reinstated until further notice.
The high-tech CT scanners, aimed at expediting security checks, create a 3D image of the contents of passengers’ bags. They are being introduced in several UK airports to enhance security measures.
The decision comes just days after chaos unfolded at Birmingham Airport, where travellers endured hours-long queues outside the terminal, perplexed by the new 100ml liquid rules.
Passengers faced delays as they navigated through security at Birmingham Airport, with some reporting missing their flights due to the extended queues. Confusion ensued as the airport combined old and new rules for carrying liquids, leading to further frustration among travellers.
The reintroduction of the 100ml liquid limit marks a step backwards in airport security measures, highlighting the challenges associated with implementing new technologies within tight deadlines.
The 100ml liquid rule was initially introduced in 2006 following a thwarted terror plot. Its reinstatement underscores the ongoing need for stringent security measures in the face of evolving threats.
As travellers grapple with the inconvenience caused by these changes, airport authorities are urged to prioritize clear communication and efficient implementation to mitigate disruptions in the future.
