Liquid Limit Rule Nears End
EU airports are finally putting an end to the 100ml liquid limit for hand luggage. Previously, in 2006, authorities implemented the rule in a bid to fight terrorism threats following a foiled liquid bomb plot.
But today, technological advances are enabling security screening technology to ease these restrictions. Hence, a number of airports in Europe will soon permit a higher liquid volume limit through security checkpoints.
New Liquid Scanning Technology
Recently, new explosive detection systems using 3D computed tomography (CT) are the reason for the shift in liquid limits. In particular, these scanners generate precise images of luggage contents and can detect threats more effectively than traditional X-rays.
Earlier, in June 2025, the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) officially approved the technology for use across member states. Consequently, the European Commission confirmed the technology passed extensive testing in high-traffic airport settings.
Rollout Begins Across the EU
Now, several airports have already started installing the new scanners to detect liquid contents. For instance, Rome, Milan, Dublin, Vilnius, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt are among the early adopters.
Soon, more EU airports will follow suit. Nevertheless, the rollout is not uniform. In particular, each airport must meet certification standards before implementing changes. Therefore, travelers must check their departure airport’s rules before packing.
Liquid Restriction Scrapped
With these updates, passengers will no longer need to limit liquid content to 100ml containers. In fact, some airports are permitting liquids up to 2 liters, depending on equipment capacity.
Additionally, electronics like laptops and tablets can remain inside carry-on bags during screening. Notably, this will speed up security checks and improve passenger experience. However, until new systems are fully operational, existing rules still apply.
UK Airports Already Ahead
Interestingly, the UK began its transition earlier with the CT liquid scanners. In particular, airports like London City, Birmingham, and Teesside have already lifted the 100ml rule.
According to the UK Department for Transport, “We’ve invested over £1 billion in security tech to enhance safety and convenience” (BBC News, July 2025). By mid-2025, over 60% of UK airport terminals had operational CT scanners, improving both throughput and safety.
Challenges Remain
While the benefits of the relaxed liquid limit rules are clear, some challenges remain. For instance, high equipment costs, training, and infrastructure upgrades slow the process. Hence, not all EU airports will transition simultaneously.
Moreover, passenger communication will be critical during the interim. Nonetheless, momentum is building. Consequently, the European Commission is encouraging member states to expedite adoption.
“Once individual manufacturer’s airport equipment passes tests and gets ECAC approval, it can receive the EU Stamp, permitting the screening of liquids of larger than 100ml,” said European Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, speaking to The Independent.
A New Era in Air Travel
Overall, the move marks the biggest change to EU airport security in nearly 20 years. More than 1.1 billion passengers passed through EU airports in 2024, according to Eurostat.
With traffic expected to rise, streamlined security is becoming essential. Clearly, this reform in scanning liquid contents balances safety with modern travel needs. As such, travelers should stay informed and prepare for smoother journeys ahead.
Photo by Alejandro Molina Fernández on Unsplash
