European airports, including those in Spain, Greece, France, Italy, Portugal, and other EU countries, have implemented new hand luggage rules starting from September 1. Passengers travelling within the EU will now once again be subject to restrictions on carrying liquid containers holding more than 100ml. The European Commission issued instructions to reinstate this rule, which had previously been lifted but is now in effect.
This change affects not only EU member states but also countries like Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. The decision comes as new security equipment, Explosive Detection Systems for Cabin Baggage (EDSCB) or C3 scanners, has been installed in EU airports, with some in the UK as well. However, as a precautionary measure, these scanners will not allow larger bottles in hand luggage, leading to the reintroduction of the 100ml limit for liquids.
In the UK, the restrictions on liquid quantities had been lifted earlier this year but were reinstated due to delays in implementing the necessary technology at airports. The move caused frustration among UK airports, as they faced challenges in meeting the deadline for installing new scanners enabling larger liquids in hand luggage.
Bigger airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester faced logistical hurdles and missed the deadline, while smaller airports like London City, Teesside, Newcastle, Leeds-Bradford, Aberdeen, and Southend complied on time. The Department for Transport (DfT) unexpectedly announced the reintroduction of the 100ml liquid restriction at certain regional airports to allow for further improvements in security systems.
Passengers are advised to check security requirements at their departure airport before travelling, as the 100ml limit on liquids remains in place across Europe with no set duration for its enforcement. The reintroduction of these rules aims to enhance security measures and ensure passenger safety during air travel.