Luton airport ‘on track’ to meet deadline to end 100ml liquid rule

The UK government has set a deadline of June 2024 for all of the country’s airports to introduce the necessary scanners to enable the end of the long-running 100ml limit on liquids being allowed through security.

But several of the UK’s major airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester have already admitted they will not be able to fully install all the necessary scanners by this summer’s deadline.

Luton airport said in an update on its security arrangements: “The government has asked all UK airports to install machines by June 2024. Dubbed ‘Next Generation Security’, the technology will make the whole security screening process much simpler for passengers once in place.

“Here at London Luton airport, we’re on track to switch over to the new scanners by June, in line with government guidance. However, until they are fully operational you will have to follow current security rules.”

The airport also advised passengers that even when the 100ml liquid rule is scrapped, travellers will still need to check that this is also the case at their destination airport.

“You don’t want a surprise when flying back that they still require passengers to adhere to liquid rules,” added Luton airport.

Teesside airport became the first UK airport to end the 100ml rule in March 2023, with London City doing likewise just a few weeks later.

Heathrow has pointed out that it has 146 security lanes – more than all the other UK airports combined – which makes installation of the new machines across the entire airport “complex”.

The airport said it is “delivering the programme as quickly as practically possible” and already has these new lanes in use in Terminals 2, 3 and 5, with the promise that passengers will be able to use the new scanners in all four terminals by “summer 2024”.

A spokesperson for Gatwick said the airport will have “made significant progress” in installing the new scanners by June in both of its terminals.

“We currently plan to have completed the major logistical operation required to install the remaining scanners in Q1 2025, after the busy summer peak period has concluded,” they added.

“The airport’s investment in this new technology means once the new scanners are phased in, the security process will be transformed with passengers no longer required to remove electrical items or put liquids in plastic bags. 

“The new scanners will also quickly identify potential threats in cabin baggage by providing even better images of luggage, with the safety of passengers the airport’s highest priority.”

Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which also runs Stansted and East Midlands, said “several lanes” are already in operation using the new scanners. MAG added that they would be in place “on a large number” of security lanes by June 2024 with completion in 2025.