Airports criticise UK Government over liquid restrictions

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) have announced that 100ml restrictions on liquids will be reintroduced at airports temporarily.

The announcement comes as UK airports are in the process of installing new, cutting-edge technology to specifications and a timetable, mandated by the UK government. This will allow liquids and electronic equipment to remain in hand baggage.

This investment programme is complex and multi-faceted. A major challenge for airports is undertaking such a significant change while still seeking to maintain as normal operations for passengers as possible.

Commenting on the changes, Karen Dee, chief executive of the Airport Operators Association, the trade body for UK airports, said:

“All airports are investing hundreds of millions of pounds to deliver this huge programme of technology and programme upgrades mandated by Government with equipment and processes to meet their requirements.

“These latest changes announced on Friday, instigated with very little notice, have created uncertainty for passengers just as airports enter their busiest periods of the year.

“It has also put airport operators in a challenging position, with very limited time to prepare for the additional staffing and wider resources that this will require, and no clear idea of when this issue will be resolved.

“Airports are doing all that they can to mitigate the impact of this for passengers. We ask that all passengers please bear with us and ensure that liquids are carried in containers no larger than 100ml, until advised otherwise.

“The safety and security of staff, passengers and airport communities is our number one priority, and everyone should be assured that airports will never compromise on this.”