One of the most restrictive and unpopular security measures for tourists flying through EU airports is set to be phased out after nearly 20 years of enforcement. The European Commission has confirmed plans to remove the long-standing 100ml limit on liquids in hand luggage and is likely to begin rolling out the changes at selected airports in the very near future.
Since 2006, passengers travelling with hand luggage have been required to place all liquids, gels and aerosols in containers of no more than 100ml, with exceptions only for essential medication or baby food. The rule was designed to prevent potential threats involving liquid explosives, which older airport scanners were unable to detect reliably. However, the tide is finally turning in a major win for tourists excited to explore Europe.
The European Commission has revealed that it is working to start a new era of advanced screening technology capable of detecting threats in larger liquid containers. These next-generation scanners, already tested successfully, make the 100ml restriction obsolete, at least at airports equipped with the new systems.
Several airports across the EU are already making the change. Italy’s Rome and Milan, as well as facilities in Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Sweden and the Netherlands, either have the scanners in place or are preparing to install them.
In June, the Commission, together with the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), approved a joint protocol to standardise and authorise the widespread use of these scanners across EU airports. Once validated by the ECAC, the manufacturers can begin distributing the systems, allowing airports to lift the liquid limits and even let passengers keep their liquids inside their bags and not have to place them in trays.
While the rollout will not be uniform across the bloc – adoption depends on each airport’s ability to invest in the new, more expensive scanners – EU sources have said the changes could begin “within days” at selected airports, according to Canarian Weekly.
The phased removal of the 100ml rule is expected to be a welcome relief to millions of travellers, especially during the peak summer season, when long security queues cause stress and frustration among holidaymakers.
However, passengers are advised to check with their departure airport before travelling, because the new policy will not be implemented simultaneously across the continent.
This exciting change comes as budget airline Ryanair is set to make big changes to its cabin baggage allowance this year, in response to an attempt by the EU Commission to persuade airlines across Europe to standardise. Currently, Europe’s biggest low-cost airline allows on board for free a bag measuring 40 x 25 x 20cm on board without charge, providing a volume of 20 litres. However, at the end of October 2025, all this is set to change. From the start of the winter aviation season, the new dimensions of the baggage will be 40 x 30 x 15cm, allowing a volume of only 18 litres.