Anticipated Abolishment of 100ml Liquid Limit at German Airports: Timeline Unveiled

Anticipated Abolishment of 100ml Liquid Limit at German Airports: Timeline Unveiled

New Airport Security Measures Allow Larger Liquids in Hand Luggage at Selected EU Airports

A significant change in airport security procedures is underway across Europe, with some airports now allowing passengers to carry liquids larger than 100ml in their hand luggage. This change is made possible by the installation of advanced security scanners approved by the European Commission.

In Germany, airports such as Berlin Brandenburg Airport have already implemented these new scanners, enabling passengers to bring beverages, toiletries, and other liquids over 100ml without the need to remove or pack them in small containers and transparent bags. However, it's important to note that the 100ml limit remains in place at Frankfurt Airport due to passengers not knowing which screening device they will be screened by upon departure. Similarly, the Berlin-Brandenburg Airport still enforces the 100ml limit on liquids carried on flights originating from Berlin.

The European Commission has approved the use of these new screening technologies, which use three-dimensional imaging and more sensitive detection methods, allowing passengers to carry up to two liters of liquids onboard in some airports. These technologies are being rolled out in phases across the EU, including Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Ireland.

The new airport security screening equipment allows security officials to better differentiate between explosive materials and harmless liquids. This change comes after the European Commission worked with the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) to resolve the issue, and follows successful testing of a new screening solution that scrapped the 100ml limit at airports using the new, certified technology.

Exceptions to the new rules have been made for baby food and some medications. However, it's crucial for travellers to verify the rules of their specific departure and arrival airports before flying, as the rollout is not yet universal at all EU airports.

Munich Airport, for example, has state-of-the-art CT systems available but requires a change to the software before the 100ml limit can be lifted. The relevant aviation authority will implement the software change at Munich Airport "as soon as operational processes and requirements permit."

This move towards more relaxed liquid restrictions in hand luggage is part of a broader European effort to modernise airport security procedures. From mid-2025 onward, more airports equipped with the new-generation scanners are expected to lift the 100ml liquid limit in hand luggage. Five airports in Italy have already scrapped the 100ml limit on liquids, and it's expected that more airports will follow suit in the coming months.

Previously, passengers were prohibited from carrying more than 100ml of liquids, aerosols, or gels on aircrafts, a rule that has been in place since 2006 following the discovery of a liquid bomb plot. The new security measures are designed to improve passenger convenience while maintaining the highest levels of security.

1. The new airport security measures, approved by the European Commission, now allow passengers to bring more than 100ml of liquids in their hand luggage, such as beverages and toiletries, at selected airports like Berlin Brandenburg Airport in Germany.
2. As more airports across Europe, including Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Ireland, roll out the new three-dimensional imaging scanners, passengers may soon be able to travel with up to two liters of liquids onboard, improving their travel lifestyle with greater convenience while maintaining security.

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