The UK’s first major airport has scrapped security protocols on liquids and electronics.
London City has installed new CT scanners that generate more detailed images of what is inside bags, meaning passengers no longer have to remove items at security.
It means departing travellers no longer have to restrict toiletries and liquids to 100 milliletre-bottles in clear plastic bags, and can leave laptops, tablets, and mobile phones in their hand luggage during security screening.
The government is requiring all major UK airports to use the technology by June 2024.
London City is the UK’s second airport to use the scanners in all its security lanes after Teesside—which has only a handful of flights each day—introduced them last month.
Airport security rules over liquids were implemented in 2006 following a foiled terror plot to blow up planes flying from London to the United States with homemade liquid bombs.
Travellers failing to adhere to the rules is one of the biggest causes of delays at airport security.
Speaking on Tuesday, Alison FitzGerald, London City’s chief operating officer, said the new scanner systems will not only make security more efficient but also provide enhanced security screening.
“We have always prided ourselves on embracing innovation and being early adopters of new technology,” she said.
“The new CT scanners will take our passenger experience to another level, reducing the stress and hassle of 100 ml liquids in clear plastic bags and having to unload your hand luggage.”
Industry Praise
Aviation minister Baroness Vere praised the move.“We’re making sure that all major airports across the UK introduce a new generation of sophisticated security technology, and it’s great to see this being harnessed at London City Airport already,” she said.
“This will reduce queueing times, improve the passenger experience, and most importantly detect potential threats.
“Passengers travelling from other airports should continue to always check the necessary guidance on security procedures at those airports before travelling.”
Heathrow—the UK’s busiest airport—said it is investing a significant amount of money into installing the new machines but has not announced a date for when the process will be completed.
It added this will take longer than some other airports as it has more security lanes.
Gatwick said it is trialling the new technology in one security lane and is committed to meeting a June 2024 deadline.
Security Shake-Up
The Department for Transport announced the airport requirement for the new technology in December.Transport Secretary Mark Harper said the CT scanners would streamline cabin bag rules while “enhancing security.”
“By 2024, major airports across the UK will have the latest security tech installed, reducing queuing times, improving the passenger experience, and most importantly detecting potential threats,” the minister said at the time.
“Of course, this won’t happen straight away—this is going to take two years to be fully implemented.
“Until then, passengers must continue following the existing rules and check before travelling.”
The June 2024 deadline was introduced after several trials at airports that started in 2018.
The CT scanners create a 3D image of what is inside passengers’ bags.
It is already being used at overseas airports such as Schiphol in Amsterdam and several in the United States.
Speaking on the security shake-up, Christopher Snelling, policy director at industry body the Airport Operators Association, said the rule change was a “great step forward” for air travel.
“This investment in next generation security by the UK’s airport operators will provide a great step forward for UK air travel, matching the best in class around the world,” he said.
“It will make the journey through the UK’s airports easier and air travel itself more pleasant.”
