Some airports in Spain have spent millions in recent months on new high-tech scanners that allow passengers to bypass liquid restrictions that have been in place for years for security reasons. But earlier this month the European Commission announced the reintroduction of these rules at airports across Europe, albeit for a limited period.
From 1 September, some EU airports will reinstate restrictions on the amount of liquids a ship can carry. Travel experts fear that this could cause significant delays.
The “temporary” measure means that liquids, aerosols and gels, pastes, lotions and cosmetics may only be carried in hand luggage if they are in containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml each.
In a press release, the EU Commission stated: “The European Commission will temporarily enforce restrictions on liquid screening at EU airports using explosive detection systems for cabin baggage (EDSCB).”
“These systems, installed in certain EU airports, currently allow passengers to carry liquid containers larger than 100 ml.”
According to the Airports Council International (ACI), the new regulation could result in “significant operational burdens” and the “use of additional personnel”.
Although the European Commission stated that this is a temporary measure, there is currently no timetable for its lifting.
Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI Europe, said, according to the Independent: “Safety is non-negotiable, it is the highest priority for Europe’s airports. Therefore, all airports will fully comply with the new restriction.”
“The fact is, however, that those airports that were early adopters of this new technology are being severely penalized, both operationally and financially.”
He added: “They made the decision to invest in and deploy C3 scanners in good faith, as the EU had given the green light to this equipment without any restrictions.”
The reason for reintroducing the rule is “precautionary reasons” because there are some technical problems with the scanning devices.
This move was not prompted by increased security threats.
