Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester airports to continue 100ml liquid limit

Passengers traveling through London Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (LGW), and Manchester Airport (MAN) will have to continue to adhere to the 100ml liquid restrictions, as the airports have missed the roll-out date for the latest scanners.

The three major UK airports were initially set to abolish the 100ml liquid carry-on restrictions by June 1, 2024. 

Technology incorporated into the new airport scanners will negate the need for passengers to take out toiletries and laptops from their cabin bags for security checks. 

The BBC has reported that the installation delay for the new scanners could last up to a year, meaning that passengers passing through these airports could still be required to adhere to current airport security protocols up until June 2025.

Smaller airports in the UK seem to be faring better. Teesside International Airport (MME) and London City Airport (LCY) already have the new scanners installed. Meanwhile, Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), Birmingham Airport (BHX)t, Bristol Airport (BRS) and East Midlands Airport (EMA) are expected to meet the June 1, 2024 deadline.  

According to the UK Department of Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority will impose financial penalties on airports that keep missing deadlines to install the next-generation scanners.

The new scanners feature computed tomography (CT) scans that provide clearer 3D images. Consequently, items can be left inside bags and liquids of up to two liters will be permitted.

2023-04-04