(qlmbusinessnews.com Tues, 23rd Jan, 2024) London, UK —
“UK Airports Hit Roadblock: Passenger Liquid Limits Persist Amid Scanner Upgrade Delays”
Several major UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Stansted, are set to miss the June deadline for installing new security scanners. This delay means the government won't be able to lift the ban on passengers carrying liquids in their hand luggage this summer.
Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester Airports Group have stated that they aim to complete the scanner upgrades by 2025. The advanced security scanners, utilizing computed tomography (CT) scans for clearer 3D images, are already operational at some UK airports like London City and Teesside. At these airports, passengers enjoy the convenience of not removing laptops or liquid containers from hand luggage and can carry larger bottles in their carry-on cases.
However, most airports still adhere to the 100ml liquid limit due to UK legislation, despite the capability of the new scanners. The Department for Transport is expected to maintain the restrictions until all airports are fully compliant, potentially allowing up to 2l bottles.
The new technology promises to expedite security processes, reducing rules that cause delays for passengers without checked-in bags. Presently, even small toiletries need to be removed and placed in a clear bag during security checks.
Introduced in 2006 after a foiled plot to blow up a transatlantic flight, restrictions on liquids have been a security measure. The government's initial deadline for implementing CT scanners by 2022 was later extended to June 2024.
While most UK airports have begun implementation, challenges such as cost, size, weight, and training requirements have slowed the process. Some smaller airports struggled with costs during the pandemic, and larger airports faced difficulties installing scanners amid busy operations.
Heathrow, investing around £1 billion, faces the task of upgrading 146 security lanes across four terminals. Manchester, Stansted, and East Midlands airports, owned by MAG, plan a phased introduction of scanners, with completion expected by 2025.
Gatwick anticipates significant progress in installing next-gen scanners by June 2024, completing the project by spring 2025. While the government could sanction non-compliant airports, extensions are likely for businesses struggling to meet the deadline.
A DfT spokesperson emphasized the UK's robust aviation security measures and the positive impact of cutting-edge technology on security and passenger experience.
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