Reestablishment of limits from September 1st
The Commission has decided to temporarily reintroduce, from 1 September, the maximum permitted capacity of 100 ml for liquid containers that can be carried in hand luggage at EU airports.
“This is solely due to technical issues related to scanners installed at some airports to screen passengers’ luggage; this decision is not due to any potential threat,” Tim McPhie, an EC spokesman, told a news conference. He added that the solution ordered by the EC is temporary and will only apply until the “technical issues” related to the devices are resolved.
Previously, some European airports, including those in Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, which have installed modern 3D CT scanners to screen hand luggage, have decided to partially or completely abolish limits on liquids carried in hand luggage. These scanners display high-resolution 3D images of the contents of luggage, which allows the detection of explosive elements in any type of cosmetics, liquids or electronic devices.
Technology has proven ineffective
In a report sent in May last year to the European Civil Aviation Confederation (ECAC), however, the EC questioned the effectiveness of this technology, arguing that the software is not reliable in the case of containers with a capacity of more than 330 ml. At the end of July this year, Brussels decided to temporarily reintroduce restrictions to “prevent possible risks”.
Airport organisations warn that the EC decision means financial losses for airports that have invested in modern technology. A Commission spokesman did not say on Tuesday whether the EC planned compensation for affected airports.
From Brussels Jowita Kiwnik Pargana (PAP)
