The European Union has officially paved the way for relaxed liquid restrictions in airline hand luggage, approving advanced scanners that could eventually allow larger containers.

Air passengers in the EU will soon be permitted to carry larger quantities of liquids in hand luggage, thanks to advanced security scanners being introduced at airports. However, the transition may take years to complete, meaning current 100ml limits will remain in place at many checkpoints.

The European Commission has approved next-generation scanners capable of reliably detecting liquid explosives, theoretically allowing containers exceeding the current 100ml limit (packed in 1-litre plastic bags) to pass through security. A Commission spokesperson confirmed to the German Press Agency that implementation timelines will vary by airport.

While approximately 700 new scanners from UK manufacturer Smiths Detection are already operational or being installed across 21 EU countries, most airports cannot replace all equipment simultaneously. Passengers should note that until the rollout is complete, they may encounter both old and new systems – meaning the 100ml rule will still apply in many cases.

The CT-based scanners, which use medical-grade computed tomography technology, generate hundreds of 3D images per bag without slowing security lines. They provide layered analyses of contents and can identify both solid and liquid explosives.

The current restrictions date to 2006, when UK authorities foiled a plot to detonate liquid explosives aboard aircraft.