Starting today, passengers flying out of London City Airport will no longer be required to pack only 100ml of liquids in their hand luggage.
It is the first airport in the capital to do so, as well as the first major airport in the UK, after the arrival of new, cutting-edge CT scanners just in time for Easter.
The government has given all significant UK airports until June 2024 to deploy the equipment.
The CT scanners are already in place at Teeside Airport, which was the first airport in the nation to abolish the limit.
The machines produce a high-resolution 3D scan of passengers’ bags, meaning staff can easily inspect them from all angles.
Travellers from City Airport now do not need to remove liquids, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices from their hand luggage for security checks.
The liquid limit will now be two litres in hand baggage, and passengers will no longer need to place these items in a clear plastic bag while going through security.
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Only one cigarette lighter is allowed per person and camera film should be declared before it enters the scanner.
The airport’s chief executive Robert Sinclair said the new technology would help speed up lengthy security queues.
‘The good news for anyone planning a holiday or a business trip is that we will be the first mainstream UK airport to offer a fully CT security experience from the end of this month,’ he said.
‘The new lanes will not only cut hassle but also queuing times, which I know passengers will love.’
A spokesperson previously told Metro.co.uk: ‘We’re very pleased that the new machines in operation now and have our full compliment of four in place ahead of the Easter getaway.’
The 100ml rule was introduced in 2006 after a foiled terror attack plot using liquid explosives at Heathrow Airport.
The plan was to bring hydrogen peroxide-derived explosives onto transatlantic planes inside soft drink bottles. But this will no longer be needed thanks to new technology.
Transport secretary Mark Harper previously said: ‘The tiny toiletry has become a staple of airport security checkpoints, but that’s all set to change.
‘I’m streamlining cabin bag rules at airports while enhancing security.
‘By 2024, major airports across the UK will have the latest security tech installed, reducing queuing times, improving the passenger experience, and most importantly detecting potential threats.’
Trials of the improved machines have been taking place at some of the UK’s busiest airports since 2018, including Terminal 3 in London Heathrow, Gatwick and Birmingham.