The European Union has officially eliminated the 100ml restriction on the carriage of Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) in cabin bags for flights departing from EU airports.
Airports equipped with the necessary Smiths Detection Hi-Scan 6040 CTix security screening equipment will soon allow passengers to carry LAGs of up to 2 litres.
The decision was made following the recertification of Smiths Detection’s screening equipment, which came under scrutiny in 2024 due to concerns over the performance of the technology.
Initially introduced following the events of September 11 in 2001, the restrictions were brought in to prevent the transport of dangerous liquids on flights.
The lifting of the restriction is hoped to improve both passenger experience and overall processing speeds, as well as free up security staff to carry out additional tasks.
However, ACI EUROPE has raised a number of concerns related to the EU’s current testing and certification system, criticising the region’s poor timing and late decision.
Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, said:We now live in a very different world in which the convergence of geopolitics, cyber and physical security threats is plain to see. In that context, it is very clear that our decades‑old testing and certification regime for aviation security equipment is no longer fit for purpose. We just can’t keep relying on a system essentially based on a good‑will cooperation between EU states, where even aligned testing methodologies are not guaranteed — and validating test results takes forever. We absolutely need to be able to benefit from innovation in security technologies much faster.
Beyond operational efficiencies, this is primarily and crucially about better protecting European citizens — and ultimately about the EU’s own strategic autonomy agenda.
ACI has previously called for the development of a fully integrated EU testing and certification system for aviation security equipment in cooperation with both the UK and US.
