The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that six regional airports in the UK will temporarily reintroduce restrictions on carrying liquids over 100ml. The change is set to take effect from midnight on Sunday and will impact passengers travelling from the following airports:
- London City
- Aberdeen Airport
- Newcastle International Airport
- Leeds Bradford Airport
- London Southend Airport
- Teesside International Airport
These airports had previously scrapped the rule due to the implementation of Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC), which utilise high-tech CT scanners to create 3D images of the contents inside passengers’ bags.
The 100ml liquid rule was initially introduced in 2006 following a foiled terror plot involving homemade liquid bombs on flights from London to the US.
While most UK airports, including London Gatwick, Heathrow, and Manchester, still maintain liquid restrictions, the new scanners are not yet in place at these locations.
A spokesperson from the Department for Transport clarified that this temporary measure aims to facilitate further improvements to the new checkpoint systems and will only impact a small number of passengers. For the majority of travellers, security measures will remain unchanged. Passengers are advised to verify security requirements with their departure airport before travelling.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper emphasised that the reintroduced rule affects only six regional airports, approximately 6% of travellers. He encouraged passengers to check with their specific airports regarding the rules and processes in place.
The decision to reintroduce these restrictions is part of ongoing efforts to maintain world-leading levels of aviation security. The DfT will provide updates on when this measure can be reversed in due course.
