Teesside Airport is UK's first to be ready for new security rules

Cutting-edge technology has helped Teesside International Airport become the first in the UK to be fully ready for changes to security rules.

The Government has set a June 2024 deadline for airports to install new security technology to allow passengers to leave liquids and large electrical items in cabin luggage as they go through security to reduce hassle.

Now, 18 months ahead of the deadline, Teesside has been primed with a second state-of-the-art C3 machine readied for action. The airport trialled the use of the technology last year to speed up the security process.

With all the changes in place, Teesside is the first airport in the UK to be 100% operationally ready for the new era of airport security rules.

Passengers are currently required to remove tablets, laptops and liquids from their cabin baggage, while liquids have been limited to 100ml and must be in a clear plastic bag. This requirement will be lifted in future, and the 100ml liquid container limit will be extended to 2 litres.

The existing security regulations on liquids will remain in place for the time being.

Not only will the rule changes mean greater convenience for travellers – as people will no longer need to spend time taking items out of their bags – but it will also enhance passenger safety, as security staff will have more detailed images of what people are carrying.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said:

“Great summer flights we’ve secured from Teesside mean we need the right facilities to meet the demand of new passengers wanting to support our airport. 2022 was our busiest summer in decades, and we’re working to make 2023 even better. To be the first airport in the UK ready for the new security rules means passengers will have an unparalleled and seamless journey through our state-of-the-art security area.

“Having not one but two of these cutting-edge machines means the sky really is the limit in our efforts to bring more people through our terminal doors as we push our airport to profit. With our new cargo facility set to have a bumper 2023, and the Southside Business Park coming together too, this year promises to be a great one.”

Since the new technology has been added, airport customer satisfaction scores have consistently hit above 95% on a daily basis.

Phil Forster, Teesside Airport Managing Director, added:

“It’s a source of great pride and satisfaction that our international airport is the first in the UK to be fully prepared for the rule changes. Our facilities have come on leaps and bounds in the past three years – and I can’t wait for what 2023 has in store.”

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