Return of liquid limits at European airports sparks controversy
Starting from 1 September, significant changes were implemented at European airports. The 100 ml limit for liquids in carry-on luggage has returned. This is due to the poor quality of technology used at some airports.
As European Commission (EC) spokesperson Tim McPhie explained, the reinstatement of these limits is not related to any threats but to technical issues with security scanners.
Return of liquid limits at European airports
The EC decided to temporarily reinstate the 100 ml limit for liquids in carry-on luggage, which came into effect on 1 September 2024. The changes apply throughout the European Union and in Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
Implementing this decision means passengers will lose the main benefit of C3 scanners. This will reduce the throughput at control points, which may lead to operational burdens and the need to hire additional staff and reorganise control points.
Technical problems with airport scanners
Some airports, such as Aberdeen in Scotland, Amsterdam Schiphol in the Netherlands, Milan Malpensa, and Rome Fiumicino in Italy, have installed new CT scanners using 3D technology to screen carry-on luggage, which allowed for the removal of liquid limits.
These scanners display high-resolution three-dimensional images of the luggage contents, enabling the detection of explosives in cosmetics, liquids, and electronic devices.
However, an EC report from May 2023 directed to the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) showed that these scanners fail with containers exceeding 300 ml.
It is indicated that restoring the limits would result in financial losses for airports. On average, C3 scanners are eight times more expensive to purchase than conventional X-ray control devices, and their maintenance costs are four times higher.
