Some of the largest U.K. airports are currently set to miss the 2024 government-set deadline to install new CT security scanners. This raises questions about the future of the 100-milliliter liquid rule and the need to remove laptops and other electronic items from hand luggage when passing through security.
The U.K. government had initially challenged U.K. airports to install new CT scanners by 2022, but the timeline was later pushed back to June 2024. The installation of these high-tech scanners is expected to lead to the relaxation of the current 100-milliliter liquid rule and the requirement to remove laptops and other electronic items from hand luggage.
However, due to the logistics involved in fully rolling out the scanners, it is highly likely that many of the U.K.’s largest airports will miss the June deadline. London Gatwick Airport, for example, has stated that it plans to have completed the installation of the scanners in Q1 2025, after the busy summer peak period has concluded.
A similar situation exists at London Stansted Airport, Manchester Airport, and East Midlands Airport, all of which are managed by Manchester Airports Group. These airports are currently rolling out the new technology lane-by-lane, with the expectation that the full completion of the program will be achieved in the following year.
To accommodate the new equipment, both Manchester and East Midlands airports are undergoing construction projects to expand the size of their terminals. This indicates that the delays in installing the new scanners are not solely due to logistical challenges but also to the infrastructure changes required to accommodate them.
London’s Heathrow Airport, the largest airport in the U.K., has invested approximately 1 billion British pounds to revamp its current security systems in order to meet the deadline. The new scanners are already in use in some terminals, including terminals 2, 3, and 5. However, temporary closures of certain security areas have been necessary to make way for the installation of the new technology.
While some airports are making progress with the rollout of the new security equipment, others are facing delays. London City Airport and Teesside International Airport are already using the new scanners, while London Luton Airport is on track to meet the June deadline.
Despite the delays at some U.K. hubs, the U.K. Department for Transport has not moved its current deadline of June and is still working toward this date. However, the government may allow certain airports slightly longer to comply and fully install the scanners. The Department for Transport has not disclosed which airports are on track to introduce the technology by the deadline due to security reasons.
Regardless of whether every airport meets the deadline, the ones that have updated their security scanners are expected to be able to relax the 100-milliliter rule on June 1. The U.K. Department for Transport has emphasized that this technology will enhance security and boost the passenger experience.
In conclusion, while there have been reports that the relaxation of the 100-milliliter liquid rule could be delayed until 2025, it is more likely that the rules will shift at airports that meet the June 2024 deadline to install the new scanners. Smaller U.K. airports are expected to comply sooner, while larger hubs may follow suit later in 2024 and early 2025.