Airports kick back at re-introduction of liquid limit

Airports have criticised the government’s sudden re-introduction of 100ml limits on liquids in hand luggage last weekend.

Over the weekend, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that from 9 June, 100ml restrictions on liquids will temporarily be reintroduced at UK airports.

These airports are in the process of installing new technology to specifications and a timetable mandated by the government. 

The new scanners which produce 3D images should mean liquids up to two litres and laptops can be kept in hand luggage to go through security.

Karen Dee, chief executive of the Airport Operators Association (AOA) said: “All airports are investing hundreds of millions of pounds to deliver this huge programme of technology and programme upgrades mandated by Government with equipment and processes to meet their requirements.

“These latest changes announced on Friday, instigated with very little notice, have created uncertainty for passengers just as airports enter their busiest periods of the year."

She added that it has put airport operators in a "challenging position" as they have limited time to prepare for additional staffing and the wider resources the change will require. 

"Airports are doing all that they can to mitigate the impact of this for passengers," she said. 

"The safety and security of staff, passengers and airport communities is our number one priority, and everyone should be assured that airports will never compromise on this.”

Transport secretary Mark Harper has insisted the re-imposition of the old limits is "temporary" but it’s unclear how long the situation will last.

The DfT said it had communicated with airports swiftly upon receiving new information.