The 100ml liquids rule for airport security has been lifted at Edinburgh and Birmingham airports, the first in the UK to take such action since it was introduced in 2006.
Passengers will be able to keep liquids in their bags when going through security, and those liquid containers can now be up to two litres each.
It comes after eight new X-rays were installed as part of a £24 million investment to transform the security process at Scotland’s busiest airport. Airports whose security protocols are signed off by the Department for Transport can drop the 100ml limit.
Liquids can remain in bags along with large electricals, such as tablets and laptops.
In 2006, British detectives uncovered a terror plot to assemble explosives on board transatlantic aircraft from liquids carried in hand luggage.
A limit of 100ml on the size of containers of liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) was brought in that year as “a temporary measure”.
Edinburgh and Birmingham airports are respectively sixth and seventh busiest in the UK. Aberdeen, Bristol, London City, Newcastle and Teesside are expected to make changes soon.
Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “This is a big day for our passengers and the airport team – we are delighted to be able to lift this rule and really transform the whole security process, making it easier for everyone.
“A whole generation of travellers have only known the 100ml rule to be the case, so it really is a momentous day as we become the first airport in Scotland to lift the rule since it was introduced in 2006.
“The change allows more flexibility for passengers to take liquids through security, all while maintaining and improving our high safety levels through the use of 3D technology.
“But it is important that passengers continue to check with the situation at their return airport as not all airports will be moving away from 100ml just yet.”
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