Britain’s biggest airports are in danger of missing a deadline for installing scanners which will end the 100ml limit of liquids. Heathrow, Manchester and Gatwick do not expect to meet the Government’s June 1 date, according to reports.
Consumer group Which? warned of possible delays with passengers expecting the end to the limit at all UK flight hubs, but then finding it isn’t the case.
Introduced in 2006 after a plot to bomb a transatlantic flight was foiled, the limit means travellers have to take liquids through security in containers no bigger than 100ml and inside a clear plastic bag.
The new scanners use X-ray technology to generate 3D images and are already in use at some US airports.
While Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester are behind, according to the BBC, London City Airport and Teesside International Airport have already completed their roll outs.
The broadcaster reports Heathrow, Manchester and Gatwick will need extra time to get the tech up and running.
Sally Gethin, an aviation expert, told the BBC that supply chain issues, the need to free up staff for training, costs and the need to reinforce floors to take the weight of the new equipment are the reasons behind the delay.
Heathrow, which with 146 security lanes has more than any other UK airport, has started introducing the tech at three of its terminals. Britain’s biggest airport cannot guarantee its rollout will be complete by June 1.
Gatwick says it has made significant progress at both its terminals, but doesn’t expect to complete the work until early next year.
Manchester Airport says good progress is being made, but it too doesn’t expect to complete its installation until 2025.
Rory Boland, travel editor at Which?, told the BBC: “We’re now going to go into a situation where different [UK] airports have different rules, so at some places you will need to get the liquids out in advance, at others you won’t.”
He warned this could cause confusion and hold-ups at security, where it only takes a couple of passengers not being prepared to add an extra 10, 20 or 30 minutes to waiting times.
Mr Boland added: “It is disappointing that we’re in a situation just months ahead of the peak travel period… and major airports aren’t ready.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “The UK has some of the most robust aviation security measures in the world and this cutting-edge technology will enhance security and boost the passenger experience.
“We are in regular contact with airports as they move towards [the] June 2024 deadline for upgrading their screening equipment and processes.
“For security reasons we don’t talk in detail about aviation security measures.”
