Rules limiting the amount of liquids allowed on board and requiring electronic devices to be taken out of carry-on baggage for security checks will change.
The government has set a deadline of June 2024 for major UK airports to install new security technology, which would make the rule of carrying no more than 100ml of liquid in a container obsolete and Remove large electronic devices, such as laptops and tablets, from carry-on baggage before proceeding through the scanner.
A spokesman said the new regulations introduced by the Department for Transport removed parts of EU law governing how new technology and processes were implemented, allowing new technology to be installed.
The ministry said major airports, such as gatwick, heatherManchester and Birmingham will have to stick to the deadline.
The current rules will remain in place until then.
Since the terrorist threat in 2006, liquids have been limited in volume to 100ml and must be contained in a clear plastic bag. This regulation is intended to prevent liquid explosives from being carried on board.
But this will no longer be a requirement and passengers can bring up to 2 liters of liquid through security.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said most major airports will deploy the technology within the next year.
He added: “By 2024, major airports across the UK will have the latest security technology installed, helping to reduce queuing times, improve passenger experience and most importantly, detect potential threats”.
The department warned customers to check return rules for liquids at any airport they may be traveling to or transferring through.
“Many destinations may not have implemented this new technology yet,” it said.
Testing new 3D security scanner was conducted at several airports.
The department said those tests demonstrated the effectiveness of the screening device.
The new scanners use X-ray CT technology to provide 3D images of the contents of a passenger’s luggage and implement “highly advanced threat detection algorithms”.
They are already used in airports such as Schiphol in Amsterdam.
Responding to the announcement, the Airport Operators Association (AOA) said: “This investment in the next generation security of UK airport operators will deliver a huge step forward. great for UK air travel, best in class worldwide.”
Christopher Snelling, policy director at AOA, said: “It will make it easier to travel through UK airports and make air travel more pleasant.”
Airport finances have been affected by COVID-19 related key, with the number of passengers who have not returned to pre-pandemic levels at airports like Heathrow.
