Tech to bring liquid limit to end at UK airport

New equipment supplied to Edinburgh Airport will allow passengers to take up to 2 litres of liquid onto a plane from next year following similar moves by other UK airports.

The news comes after 3D X-ray scanning equipment has been supplied to the airport, which will eliminate the requirement to remove electronic devices, liquids and gels from hand luggage — and increase the amount of liquid allowed to be carried onto a plane to 2 litres.

Currently, any liquid being carried on at the airport must be under 100ml, with all liquids in one clear bag, but it is hoped the new technology will enable the limit to be relaxed by next year.

It comes as major airports have been given a deadline of mid-2024 by the UK Government to install CT scanners and Edinburgh Airport will follow a phased implementation of new x-ray technology during 2024, installing the Smiths Detection’s units to improve the passenger experience. The units produce high quality images and a detailed analysis of a bag’s content, allowing security operators to easily spot items that shouldn’t be there.

The news follows several airports relaxing their liquid limits, which have been in place since 2006. London City Airport and Teesside International Airport are using new scanners as well as Birmingham to enable passengers to bring greater volumes of liquid in hand luggage through security.

The move could make transporting drinkable souvenirs significantly easier, with the aim of technology at all UK airports by June of next year. If this technology is adopted world wide (it is already present in some US airports), it could conceivably have a knock-on effect on the travel drinks retail sector, as some travellers may be more inclined to buy bottles at their holiday destination to bring home, rather than in the airport.

Adam Wilson, chief operating officer at Edinburgh Airport, said: “Providing passengers with a smooth and safe experience through security is incredibly important to us and the implementation of the new Smiths Detection HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX will deliver that as we adopt this new technology. Safety is always paramount and by moving forward with these innovative and next generation scanners, we will maintain those high security standards while helping passengers move through the airport quicker.

Smiths Detection’s head of market, Andy Evripides, said: “The system provides higher levels of safety and security, leading to a significantly improved passenger experience by allowing them to pass through security with less hassle and the need to unpack and repack their hand luggage. The system also uses the least energy of its type on the market, helping airports reach their sustainability goals.”