Airport move could see hated rule changed in Australia

A commonly hated rule at international airports was introduced in Australia in 2006, but there is a sign it might finally be scrapped.

A second airport in England has scrapped the 100ml limit on liquids you can carry on international flights thanks to new high-tech security scanners that are also being rolled out in Australia.

At London City Airport passengers can now carry up to two litres of liquid through security, toiletries no longer have to be put in separate bags and electronics don’t have to be taken out. It is the second airport in England to make the changes this year, with Teesside Airport becoming the first to do so in March.

The UK government requires most airports to install the advanced X-ray baggage scanners by June next year.

The same direction was given to Australian airports by the former government in 2018, with an end of 2025 deadline.

Home Affairs, the department that sets the 100ml rule in Australia, would not tell news.com.au if it would change liquid limits in 2026 when the technology was in place across the country, or earlier. However, these recent changes in the UK do suggest it is a possibility.

Two airports in England have scrapped the 100ml liquid limit thanks to technology also being rolled out in Australia. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

“Many Australian airports have begun installing computed tomography (CT) X-ray equipment,” a department spokesperson told news.com.au.

“These X-rays produce high quality 3D images, which means that laptops can remain in bags for screening, and provide a better experience for travellers.

“At this point in time there are no changes to the restrictions placed on powders, liquids, aerosols and gels on flights taking off from Australian international airports.

“Containers larger than 100 millilitres or 100 grams, even if only partially-filled and whether they are opened or unopened, containing liquids, aerosols or gels are not allowed through the international security screening point.

“Security requirements are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain appropriate to the threat environment, and make the most of advances in screening technology.”

Restrictions on the volume of liquids, aerosols and gels were introduced in many countries around the world, including Australia, following the disruption of a terrorist plot in the UK back in 2006.

The 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot targeted aviation using liquid explosives disguised as soft drinks.

Passengers can’t take any containers larger than 100ml or 100g that contain liquids, aerosols or gels past international airport security. Picture: iStock

Sydney Airport said the new advanced screening equipment was rolled out in terminal 3 in June last year and Melbourne Airport said it was installed in terminal 2, 3 and 4 in 2019.

Brisbane Airport told news.com.au it was “undertaking significant security screening upgrade works between now and 2025”, including all security screening equipment in domestic and international terminals as mandated.

The new 3D scanners conveniently speed up queues at security points. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

London City Airport chief operating officer Alison FitzGerald told BBC the new scanners were more secure and made getting through airport security faster.

The airport began trialling the technology more than a year ago.

“The level of processing now through the X-ray is even more secure than it was previously and the machine has the ability to differentiate between a non-dangerous and a dangerous liquid,” she said.

The idea was that security staff could focus on potential threats while allowing things like water, shampoo and perfume to go through with ease.

Ms FitzGerald added: “The whole process is quicker on the basis that previously you needed to empty your bag and put that in multiple trays whereas now it’s one bag in one tray and you don’t need to take everything out.”