LONDON, UK: The UK government said it would grant extensions to several major British airports that cannot meet the deadline on June 1 to fully install new scanning technology that will allow passengers to go through security with 2 liters (70 ounces) of liquid in their hand luggage instead of the current 100 milliliters (3.5 ounces).
The airports include Heathrow and Gatwick, London’s two largest airports.
The new scanners, which use computed tomography, more commonly known as a CT scan, to produce more explicit images, are being implemented worldwide, including in the U.S. and Europe.
In addition, laptops and tablets will no longer need to be removed from bags, saving passengers and security staff even more time.
After a foiled terror plot to blow up planes traveling from London to the U.S. with homemade liquid bombs, the current restrictions were introduced globally in 2006.
The original deadline for the new technology to be adopted at UK airports was December 2022, but this was delayed by the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain delays, and construction difficulties caused by the weight of the machines.
British airports reported that they were struggling to install the scanners ahead of the busy summer holiday period.
The Department for Transport said that extensions and potential financial penalties for further non-compliance will be assessed on an individual basis.
“These cutting-edge scanners will make air travel safer and easier for passengers by strengthening security even further,” UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper said.
“The UK is leading the world with its rollout of this technology, but it is 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,” he added.
Karen Dee, chief executive of the trade body Airport Operators Association, said, “Airports are making excellent progress in delivering these multi-million-pound investment programs, which will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of aviation security in the years ahead.”
Naomi Leach, deputy editor of consumer magazine “Which? Travel,” said passengers leaving the UK must be ready for potential problems and delays related to the new scanners.
“It is imperative that these changes are made as quickly as possible and that the rules at different airports are communicated clearly to passengers in the meantime,” she said.
