EU airports will soon allow travellers to pass through security with large containers of liquid in their hand luggage thanks to the introduction of advanced detection scanners.
For decades, strict rules have been in place restricting the amount of liquid travellers can take in their hand luggage while flying. These rules were introduced to prevent terrorists detonating liquid explosives on flights.
Under current rules, passengers must not take liquids of more than 100ml in their hand luggage, or face having the item confiscated when they go through airport security. Exceptions are made for special diets, baby products, and medicines.
Ordinary X-ray machines are not capable of detecting liquid explosives, but scientists have developed a new generation of screening equipment which can scan the content of large liquid containers. The advanced scanners use computed tomography to scan luggage with greater accuracy.
Once the machines are in place, passengers will be able to carry larger liquid containers on board.
The 100ml rule was set to be scrapped last summer, but the European Commission imposed temporary restrictions on the use of the new systems in the EU because of reported technical problems with the scanners.
However, a handful of Italian airports are hoping to scrap the 100ml rule for good this summer.
According to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, seven airports in Italy have already installed the advanced scanners and should be able to use them “in the coming days”, if the European Civil Aviation Conference gives them the green light. The European Commission confirmed at a press conference last week that the change was in the pipeline.
What about Belgian airports?
The new equipment has not yet been installed in Belgian airports, but RTBL reports that Charleroi Airport is preparing to put the scanners in place by the end of 2027, when the airport’s extension has been completed.
According to RTBL, there are no plans in place to install the scanners at Brussels-Zaventem Airport.
The advanced scanners also allow passengers to keep electronic equipment like laptops and tablets in their hand luggage without having to remove them during security checks.
Passengers are advised to check the current rules from both their departing and return airports before travelling.
