The 100ml liquid rule has been re-introduced at some regional UK airports

Restrictions on carrying liquids above 100ml in hand luggage have been temporarily re-introduced at some UK regional airports.

The change will apply from 00:01 BST on Sunday 9 June 2024 and will affect passengers at Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, London City, Aberdeen, Southend and Teesside airports.

All affected airports have New Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC) in full operation and have scrapped the 100ml liquid rule after introducing state-of-the-art CT scanners.

The Department for Transport said the re-introduction of the restrictions would “allow further improvements to the new checkpoint systems” and was not in response to a specific threat.

The six smaller airports affected warned passengers to pack liquids in checked bags whenever possible to avoid delays at screening.

Liquids carried in hand luggage should not exceed 100 ml.

A spokesman for Newcastle International Airport said the airport was working to “minimize disruption to traffic”.

Transport Minister Mark Harper advised passengers to check specific rules on the airport’s website before travelling.

“For the majority of passengers, the rules haven’t really changed at all yet, so they won’t change tonight,” he told BBC Breakfast.

He said the reintroduction of restrictions was to allow for “changes” to the scanning equipment.

“It is a temporary measure and we will specify when it can be reversed in due course,” he said.

The government initially ordered all UK airports to upgrade to the new scanners by 2022, but the deadline was later pushed back to 1 June 2024. Major airports were subsequently allowed to miss the 1 June rollout date.

At some airports, the new scanners, which are larger and heavier than older versions, have required physical changes to security areas and, in some cases, even reinforced floors.

Six smaller airports met the deadline and dropped the 100ml rule.

Teesside Airport said it was “proud” to be the first UK airport to reduce the 100ml limit after significant investment in new technology.

A spokesman said this meant passengers had a smoother journey, but added: “We acknowledge and respect the Department for Transport’s announcement and will fully comply with all requests.

“We hope this nationwide problem is resolved as quickly as possible.”

Birmingham Airport has already upgraded to the new equipment but had to adhere to the 100ml rule – although passengers do not have to remove liquids up to 100ml from their hand luggage when going through security. It attributes this to “the exceptional regulatory approval of its new screening machines”.

Airports that missed the installation deadline could apply for extensions on an individual basis, which could mean passengers would have to deal with restrictions until June 2025.

The DfT has previously said the Civil Aviation Authority will impose financial penalties on airports that fail to meet the deadlines.

Back in January, consumer group Which? he warned that extending the restrictions could cause chaos during the summer holidays.

Rules requiring liquids to be taken through security in containers of 100ml or less in a clear plastic bag were introduced in 2006 after a plot to bomb a transatlantic flight was foiled.

The new scanners use CT X-ray technology to provide 3D images so items can be left in bags and liquids up to two liters will be allowed.

The airport was hit by supply chain issues and faced major construction work to install scanners.

X-ray machines, similar to CT scanners used in hospitals, are very heavy and in some cases the floors will need to be reinforced.