**UK Airports Move to Scrap 100ml Liquid Rule in Significant Security Shift**
Two leading UK airports have made travel headlines by dropping the well-known 100ml liquid restriction for hand luggage, marking the most significant change in airport security policy in nearly two decades. Starting this month, both Edinburgh and Birmingham Airports are allowing passengers to bring up to two litres of liquids through security—a considerable departure from the strict limit introduced back in 2006.
The original liquid restrictions, introduced nationwide almost 20 years ago, were a direct response to a thwarted terrorist plot that intended to use liquid explosives on transatlantic flights. Since then, British travellers have grown accustomed to shuffling through their hand luggage at security checkpoints to ensure compliance, decanting toiletries into small bottles and placing laptops in separate trays.
Now, Edinburgh Airport has established itself as the first airport in Scotland to overturn this measure, while Birmingham leads the way for English airports. The change comes in parallel with significant security upgrades, including a £24 million investment at Edinburgh Airport, aimed at enhancing passenger experience and streamlining the entire checkpoint process.
The catalyst for these changes revolves around advanced technology. Newly installed state-of-the-art x-ray scanners at both airports now allow security teams to safely assess the contents of bags without requiring passengers to remove liquids or large electronics such as laptops and tablets. Airport authorities anticipate these updates will help ease congestion, shorten queues, and reduce stress for passengers and staff alike.
Gordon Dewar, Edinburgh Airport’s chief executive, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the transformation: “It’s a landmark day for everyone involved, from the passengers who’ve only ever known the 100ml rule to the security teams tasked with enforcing it.” Dewar highlighted that enhanced flexibility does not mean diminished safety, thanks to the robust 3D scanning technology now in place. However, he advised that travellers heading abroad remain cautious and check requirements at their return destination, as not all airports have adopted the new protocol.
For passengers, the convenience of keeping liquids and electronics inside bags should prove significant, particularly for families and business travellers who often carry more complex items. The policy shift is also expected to help standardise airport security procedures as new equipment is rolled out across the UK, though for now, rules will differ significantly depending on departure airport.
While Manchester Airport has also begun installing the new scanning systems, it has confirmed that the 100ml rule remains in effect in line with current government policy. Airport officials indicate that they are awaiting further instructions from the Home Office and expect to fully implement the updated regulations later this year. In the meantime, exemptions for essential medicines, baby milk, and specific dietary products continue to apply at all UK airports.
This move places Edinburgh and Birmingham at the forefront of the nationwide transition to new aviation safety standards. Analysts suggest that other airports are likely to follow suit in the coming months as more advanced scanning infrastructure becomes available and government policy adapts.
The development has been broadly welcomed by those in the travel industry who believe it will help reduce pre-flight stress and bring British airports in line with technological advancements seen elsewhere in Europe and beyond. However, the transition phase is expected to bring some confusion as travellers adjust to differing rules depending on their chosen airport or airline, highlighting the need for continued passenger education and clear communication.
In summary, the removal of the 100ml liquid limit at Edinburgh and Birmingham Airports reflects a major evolution in UK aviation security, blending new technology with a renewed focus on passenger convenience. Holidaymakers and frequent fliers alike will be watching closely as other airports roll out similar changes, ushering in a new era of post-pandemic travel.