Airports across the European Union are set to abolish the long-standing 100ml liquid restriction for hand luggage, but passengers may face confusion as not all airports will adopt the new rules immediately.
The change, confirmed by the European Commission, allows airports equipped with advanced computed tomography (CT) scanners to permit liquids in containers up to two litres. Participating hubs include Berlin, Rome, Amsterdam and Milan, with more expected to follow.
However, the new rules are not mandatory. Airports without the scanners, such as London Heathrow, will continue to enforce the 100ml limit. Heathrow has said installing the equipment would cost £1.04bn.
This patchwork approach could cause issues for travellers departing from a compliant airport but returning via one that is not. In such cases, only 100ml containers would be allowed on the return flight.
The scanners also eliminate the need to remove laptops and tablets from cabin baggage, streamlining security. The European Civil Aviation Conference is expected to formally approve the move imminently.
Passengers are advised to check the rules at both their departure and return airports before travelling. The change mirrors recent moves by Birmingham and Edinburgh airports in the UK, though other British airports still enforce the 100ml limit.
