The European Commission moves to relax long-standing liquid restrictions following a critical technical assessment, according to Euractiv.
The shift hinges on advanced 3D CT security scanners capable of comprehensively analysing luggage contents, potentially ending an 18-year rule introduced after the 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot.
A Commission spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday that revised regulations would permit containers exceeding 100ml in hand luggage, but only at airports equipped with next-generation CT scanners. These devices generate high-resolution three-dimensional images of baggage interiors, allowing security personnel to digitally scrutinise liquids without physical inspection.
The initiative follows a technical evaluation by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), which Italian daily Corriere della Sera first reported could pave the way for softened rules.
While the Commission anticipates granting formal approval “imminently” pending ECAC’s final findings, implementation will be asynchronous across the bloc. Airports must both install the expensive scanning infrastructure and retrain security staff, a process likely to take months at major hubs and years regionally.
“We are at the peak holiday season, and it is very much the intention to have this in place as soon as possible,” the Commission said.
Aviation analysts caution that the transition will be gradual. Major hubs have already deployed CT scanners sporadically, but retrofitting regional airports may require until 2026.
