EMA says new liquid rules won't be ready for this summer

East Midlands Airport says new rules, allowing passengers carry more liquids in their hand luggage, will not be ready in time for this summer.

In December 2022, the government announced security scanners nationwide would be upgraded.

This would allow passengers to take up to two litres of liquids onboard planes in their hand luggage.

They will also not have to unpack their laptops and other electronics from their bags.

"old rules will still apply this summer"

Some airports are on track to meet this deadline, including Birmingham Airport, which is expected to be the first major English airport to scrap the 100ml rule, and Inverness Airport in Scotland.

However, at others including Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester airports, the changes are unlikely to be implemented before next year.

A spokesman for East Midlands Airport said work is underway to expand the size of the terminal so it can accommodate the new security scanners.

The expansion was approved in August last year and will also see minor alterations to the exterior of the building and the short-stay car park at EMA.

However, work will not be completed in time for people to jet off on their summer holidays, meaning the old rules will still apply this summer.

East Midlands Airport does not anticipate the scanners will be operational this year.

The spokesman said: “We have work underway here at the moment to expand the size of our terminal to accommodate the new security scanning equipment. That means we’re working towards having the new equipment and new rules up and running next year.

“In the meantime, we’re telling customers they should come to the airport as usual, as their journey through the airport won’t be affected by the work that’s underway and existing security arrangements remain in place.”

Until EMA confirms the scanners are complete, passengers can only take liquids under 100ml in their hand luggage.

These must be in a re-sealable plastic bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm and cannot exceed one litre.

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