Monday 17 June 2019

  1. Home»
  2. Travel»
  3. Travel News

Britain could be sole EU country to retain airline fluid ban

Britain could be the only EU country where the restrictions on taking liquids on aircraft remain in force, it has emerged.

A sign informing passengers what items they are not allowed to bring on flights: Britain could be sole EU country to retain airline fluid ban
A complete ban on taking liquids and gels was imposed following a plot to down transatlantic aircraft in August 2006 Photo: EPA

The Government is to oppose plans to ease the 100 ml limit when European transport ministers meet in Luxembourg on Friday.

However, while Britain can object to the plans and opt out, the Government cannot block them outright.

As a result Britain could end up as the only major European country not to adopt the plans, inflicting confusion and chaos on holidaymakers and other travellers.

A number of manufacturers of scanners have been lobbying hard for the lifting of the restrictions which were imposed following the attempt to down transatlantic airlines in August 2006.

They believe the technology is now in place to enable passengers and their hand luggage to be screened properly.


The proposals drawn up by the European Commission are aimed at seeing the 100 ml limit being scrapped at major airports in April 2012 and completely two years later.

The first concession, under the Commission’s blueprint, would come into force next April. It would mean transfer passengers from outside the EU would no longer have to surrender liquids they bought from duty free shops at the start of their journey if they were changing planes.


The ban was later modified with passengers being told that they could not put liquids in containers bigger than 100 ml into their hand luggage.

It has led to lengthy security queues at airports because of the need to screen passengers’ hand luggage before allowing them on aircraft.

Some airports have even started charging passengers for the plastic bags they need to pass through security gates.

There has been mounting pressure for the restrictions to be eased as a number of companies - including Smiths Industries and Rapiscans - claim to have developed sophisticated scanners capable of detecting dangerous materials.

However the Department for Transport remains unconvinced. “We have always said that current restrictions must remain in place until technology solutions which provide robust detection performance and a better passenger experience become available,” a spokesman said.


Even if the EU did adopt the Commission’s proposals, Britain could still enforce stricter standards at its own airports.

The prospect of Britain being out of step with other countries alarmed British Airways.

“We believe that it is sensible for the rules on liquids to be reviewed, but it is crucial that consistency is maintained between UK and EU security regulators,” a spokesman said.

“It would be unhelpful to maintain a liquid ban at some airports and not at others”

However Simon Evans, chief executive of the Air Transport Users Council, hoped that the restrictions would be eased.

“We would welcome the change as long as it follows a sound assessment of the risk,” we would welcome such a change,” he said.

“Some people are still being caught out by the restrictions and passengers are still getting frustrated at the time they spend negotiating security.”

Top travel galleries


Travel editor's choice

More from The Telegraph

Back to top

© Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2019

Terms and Conditions

Today's News


Style Book

Weather Forecast