Major advancements in security technology at Aberdeen allow passengers to carry larger liquid volumes in hand luggage, aligning with national policy shifts.

Aberdeen International Airport has officially discarded the longstanding 100ml liquid restriction for hand luggage, marking it as the third UK airport to implement state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology that facilitates this change. This development comes as part of a broader move to ease air travel by allowing passengers to keep liquids and laptops in their bags during security checks.

The introduction of next-generation security scanners (NGSC) at Aberdeen aims to streamline passenger flow and enhance security. According to airport officials, these changes have already halved queue times at security checkpoints by reducing the need for manual bag inspections.

Despite these advances at certain airports, the nationwide rollout of similar technology has encountered delays. Initially set for completion by December 2022, the deadline was first pushed to June 2024. Various challenges, primarily disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to further deadline extensions for some airports by up to a year.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper emphasized the dual benefits of the new scanners: “These cutting-edge scanners will make air travel safer and easier for passengers by strengthening security even further.” He highlighted the UK’s leadership in adopting this technology but acknowledged the necessity of granting additional time for some airports to meet this technological standard.

The phased implementation of these scanners across major UK airports has been significant. Heathrow and Gatwick airports are on track to fully integrate this technology by the upcoming summer and March of next year, respectively. The Manchester Airports Group, overseeing Manchester, East Midlands, and Stansted airports, predicts completion by 2025.

This relaxation of liquid restrictions traces back to stringent security measures introduced in 2006 after security agencies thwarted a terrorist plot involving liquid explosives on flights from London to the US. The transition to advanced scanning technology reflects significant progress in security operations, allowing for a relaxation of these restrictions without compromising safety.

Aberdeen’s security manager, William Wallace, expressed satisfaction with the airport’s progress: “We are delighted to have the NGSC scanners operational at Aberdeen. We are well ahead of the deadline set by the Government thanks to all the hard work from our staff and contractors.”

Wallace also reminded passengers to remain aware of varying security protocols at different airports. “This is one of the biggest changes in airport security, so we would ask passengers to be prepared for this new process and to have patience as we enter the biggest change in aviation security in nearly two decades,” he said.

As airports across the UK gradually adopt these technological upgrades, passengers are advised to verify the specific security processes at their departure and transit airports to ensure a smooth travel experience