Liquid capacity restrictions for hand luggage at European airports are soon to be abolished.
European Airports Implement New Liquid Screening Technology
European airports are gradually introducing advanced liquid screening technology, which allows passengers to carry liquids in containers larger than the traditional 100ml limit. This technology, approved by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) in June 2025, provides high-resolution 3D imaging and improved explosive detection.
The rollout of this technology is ongoing, with several airports already adopting the new systems. In Italy, five major airports—Rome Fiumicino, Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Bologna, and Turin—have lifted the 100ml liquid restriction for passengers. Edinburgh Airport in Scotland has also implemented the technology, becoming the first in Scotland to allow liquids up to two liters to be carried without removal at security checkpoints.
However, many other airports, including Florence Airport in Italy, are yet to install the new technology and still enforce the traditional liquid restrictions. The rollout is a phased introduction due to the cost and infrastructure upgrades required, meaning the 100ml rule will coexist with the new allowances until full deployment occurs.
Passengers are advised to check specific airport policies before travel, especially in airports not yet equipped with the new scanners.
The European Commission, in collaboration with ECAC, has been working to develop appropriate technical solutions for this new equipment. Once the equipment receives ECAC's approval, it can be stamped for EU approval, allowing the screening of larger liquid containers. According to a Commission spokesperson, the deployment of this equipment at airports could happen "in the coming days".
This change is in response to the current EU rule that requires liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in hand baggage to be in containers holding no more than 100ml. Exceptions to the 100ml rule are made for special diets, baby products, and medicines due to the limitations of traditional security equipment. Once the new technology is fully deployed, passengers will be able to bring bottles containing more than 100ml on board when traveling within the EU.
It is important to note that individual manufacturers need to submit their airport equipment to tests for ECAC's approval. Last summer, the European Commission temporarily restricted the use of these new liquid screening detection systems for technical reasons.
The new explosive detection systems are generally more expensive than traditional screening systems. The Commission is working to ensure that the cost is manageable for airports and that the benefits outweigh the costs.
| Region/Country | Airports with New Screening Tech (liquid rule lifted) | Notes | |--------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Italy | Rome Fiumicino, Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Bologna, Turin | Florence and others still using old rules[3] | | Scotland (UK) | Edinburgh Airport | First in Scotland to implement technology[4] | | Wider EU | Select airports (specific list not fully detailed) | Rollout underway after June 2025 ECAC approval[1] |
- With the implementation of the new liquid screening technology in European airports, such as Rome Fiumicino and Edinburgh, passengers can now carry liquids exceeding the traditional 100ml limit, making travel more convenient.
- Despite the progressive rollout of this technology, several airports, like Florence in Italy, are yet to update their systems, requiring passengers to still adhere to the 100ml liquid restriction when traveling.
