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Restrictions on liquids in carry-on luggage at airports will be significantly eased from June 2024, the UK government announced on Thursday.
Currently, only containers smaller than 100ml can be brought into the cabin at international airports, provided they are placed in a clear bag at the security check.
Larger containers must be checked in the hold, and electronic devices such as laptops must be removed from bags.
But the liquid limit will be raised to two liters under a new bill to be tabled in parliament on Thursday.
Electronic devices will also no longer need to be checked separately, the Department of Transport said in a statement.
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Regulations introduced in the early 2000s to prevent the use of liquid explosives on planes have become a stranglehold on passengers, often creating long queues.
The department said the relaxation was due to new technology being deployed at major UK airports over the next two years.
These “cutting-edge” machines will provide security officers with more detailed 3-D images of the contents of people’s bags.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said similar CT X-ray technology uses “highly advanced threat detection algorithms” and is being rolled out at other airports around the world.
“By 2024, the UK’s major airports will be installing the latest security technology, reducing queue times, improving the passenger experience and most importantly detecting potential threats,” he added.
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Rules on liquids were tightened in December 2001 after a British man, Richard Reid, tried to blow up a transatlantic jet with homemade explosives hidden in his shoe.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents airlines, said it wanted the industry and passengers to be “adequately informed” of any changes.
It also called for it to be “coordinated on a global scale”.
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