Change for airport rules on liquids

Passengers will soon be able to keep liquids and laptops inside cabin baggage when passing through security at Heathrow after the airport revealed plans to install next-generation 3D computed tomography (CT) security equipment.

The airport is investing more than £50m on the equipment in the next few years. Once fully operational, it is also expected to cut the amount of single-use plastics significantly, with passengers no longer required to put bottles of liquid in plastic bags.

Heathrow has been working with the Department for Transport (DfT) to trial the technology since 2017. It is the first UK airport to do so and is working with the DfT to help other airports as they look to begin trials of their own.

Among them are Edinburgh, where a new security lane will be opened in November to test the equipment. It is already used in hospitals for CT scans and can provide clear, 3D images of cabin baggage. Glasgow is also planning a trial. The trials do not affect the 100ml limit on liquids that can be carried, although it is thought this could be eventually raised.

Aviation minister Baroness Vere said: "Passenger safety remains our top priority and this programme will ensure Heathrow continues to provide a safe and smooth travel experience for passengers.

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport

www.heathrowairport.com

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