Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The EU will reintroduce the 100ml liquid restriction for carry-on luggage in September, despite advanced security technology, prompting criticism from ACI Europe regarding airport operational impacts.
Why is the 100ml liquid limit returning?
The European Union has revealed that beginning in September, the 100ml liquid restriction for carry-on luggage will be reintroduced across all terminals within the bloc. This decision comes just three months after the UK reinstated the same conditions, even at airports provided with advanced security technology developed to phase out the rule.Â
What technology challenges do airports face?
The move has provoked criticism from Airports Council International Europe, which cautions that the reimplementation of the 100ml limit will inflict “severe restrictions” and place “significant functional strain” on airport security checkpoints.
The organisation claimed that the rule would reduce passenger throughput and design bottlenecks at security, particularly during peak travel periods. ACI Europe has also stressed the financial and operational impact on airports that have already supported cutting-edge security technology. Many airports have boosted their screening systems to include Explosive Detection Systems for Cabin Baggage scanners, which operate similarly to hospital CT scanners by creating 3D images of luggage contents.
How will passenger screening be affected?
These systems permit passengers to carry liquid containers bigger than 100ml in their hand luggage without requiring them to remove them for separate screening. The technology is already in use at central hubs such as Amsterdam Schiphol and several airports in Ireland. However, beginning 1st September, all liquid containers carried in hand luggage across EU airports will be restricted to 100ml, regardless of the screening technology in service. Passengers will also be directed to remove these receptacles from their bags during the scanning process.
ACI Europe has condemned the move, stating that airports that have invested in the costly new technology are being “penalized” for their efforts. According to ACI, buying C3 scanners is on average eight times more costly than conventional X-ray machines, with maintenance prices four times higher.Â
What is the European Commission’s explanation?
The European Commission has explained the reintroduction of the 100ml limitation as a “precautionary measure” due to a temporary technical problem, rather than a reaction to any new security threat.
The EU Commission is operating with member states and the European Civil Aviation Conference to create technical solutions that could eventually permit the restrictions to be lifted. In the UK, a parallel reasoning was given when the Department for Transport reimposed the 100ml limitation earlier this year. The U-turn came just as a government-mandated deadline for establishing upgraded scanners at UK airports was achieved.
 What does ACI Europe propose as a solution?
Olivier Jankovec, Director-General of ACI Europe, voiced regret over the lack of a timeline or process for raising the 100ml restriction. He urged the European Commission and member states to create a clear roadmap with set milestones to eventually waive the current conditions and restore trust in the EU’s aviation security certification system. As it stands, the reintroduction of the 100ml limit is predicted to impact airports, passengers, and the wider aviation industry, raising questions about the balance between security, efficiency, and technological progress in European air travel.
