London City Airport has become the UK’s first major airport to allow all passengers to pass through security without removing laptops and liquids from hand luggage.
It comes as the airport has now installed new CT scanners which generate more detailed images of what is inside bags.
The change will mean departing passengers will no longer have to restrict toiletries and liquids to 100ml bottles in clear plastic bags.
Plus they will be able to 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 Airport to scrap 100ml liquid rule
The security rules over liquids were implemented in 2006 following a foiled terror plot to blow up planes flying from London to the US with homemade liquid bombs.
Travellers failing to adhere to them is one of the biggest causes of delays at airport security.
Alison FitzGerald, London City’s chief operating officer, said: “We have always prided ourselves on embracing innovation and being early adopters of new technology.
“The new CT scanners will take our passenger experience to another level, reducing the stress and hassle of 100ml liquids in clear plastic bags and having to unload your hand luggage.
“The new process delivers a much more efficient security operation with enhanced security screening.
“We are really confident that this investment will make the experience of travelling through London City even better for the business and leisure passengers using the airport, to quickly and easily get to our many domestic and international destinations.”
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 the June 2024 deadline.
Passengers are advised to expect to face the usual baggage rules.
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