Edinburgh and Birmingham Airports Lift Hundred ml Liquids Rule with New Scanners: What Travelers Need to Know – Travel And Tour World

Foreign visitors traveling to airports like Birmingham and Edinburgh will be thrilled to learn of these new developments in security regulations because the 100ml liquids restriction has been relaxed in some spots thanks to the introduction of high-spec CT scanners. It has been confirmed by the Department for Transport in the UK, led by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, that travelers will now be urged to stick with their 100ml liquids restriction unless told to do otherwise by their own departure airport.

This major shift comes as an effort to boost comfort and security for passengers and speed up security checks, especially for major airports. While the rule change is a good sign for most, passengers are advised to check their airport’s rules before embarking on a journey in case of unjustifiable confusion.

100ml Liquids Rule Relaxed at Edinburgh and Birmingham Airports

In a landmark decision, Edinburgh Airport became the first in Scotland to lift the 100ml liquids restriction on July 2025, as it introduced 3D CT scanning technology to allow larger liquid containers through security without compromising safety. According to Gordon Dewar, CEO of Edinburgh Airport, this new development is “a momentous day” as a generation of travelers who have only known the 100ml limit will now experience more flexibility.

Similarly, Birmingham Airport upgraded its scanners in 2024 and has officially removed the 100ml restriction. A £60 million investment in new technology has allowed passengers to carry larger quantities of liquid in their hand luggage, which significantly improves the efficiency of security checks. This new process, according to a Birmingham Airport spokesperson, will allow faster and smoother passenger flow, especially during the summer peak travel season.

New Technology Brings Efficiency to Airports

The new CT scanners play a crucial role in enhancing airport security without impeding passenger convenience. These scanners provide detailed 3D images of baggage, allowing security officers to assess the contents of a bag more thoroughly than with traditional x-ray systems. The use of this technology is expected to reduce the amount of time passengers spend at security checks, giving them more time to enjoy the airport facilities or relax before their flights.

With the introduction of this new technology, large electronic devices like tablets and laptops can now stay in bags during security screenings, further simplifying the process for travelers. This means fewer hassles for passengers carrying devices, which often complicate traditional security procedures.

The 100ml Rule Still Applies at Other Airports

While Edinburgh and Birmingham have adopted the new scanning technology and relaxed the 100ml rule, other airports like Gatwick, London City, and Luton have not yet implemented these advanced scanners. Passengers flying from these airports will still need to follow the 100ml liquids rule as usual. It’s important for travelers to check with their airport and airline for the most up-to-date information on security regulations before traveling.

Quick Tip for Travelers: To avoid confusion, always check your airport’s website or contact your airline for the latest information on liquids and security procedures. This will save you time at the airport and help ensure a smooth start to your journey.

The Long Road to Change and the Impact on Travelers

The journey to this milestone began in 2019 when the UK government set a deadline for most airports to introduce these advanced scanners by December 2022. However, due to pandemic-related delays and supply chain issues, many airports struggled to meet the deadline. June 1, 2024, was the new target date, but some airports have faced further delays, which led to ongoing restrictions at certain terminals.

Despite these delays, the government remains optimistic that all airports will eventually implement the new technology. This will provide more flexibility for travelers, making airport security checks quicker, easier, and more efficient while still maintaining the highest levels of safety.

What This Means for Travelers

For travelers, these developments signal a major shift toward more convenient travel, especially for frequent flyers and those carrying large quantities of liquids for business or personal reasons. Premium business travelers and families with children will benefit most from the new flexibility, as they will no longer need to worry about meeting the 100ml liquid restriction during security checks.

Quick Tip for Travelers: If you’re traveling from an airport where the 100ml rule is still in place, consider packing your liquids in checked baggage to avoid the hassle of sorting them at security. If you’re flying from airports like Edinburgh or Birmingham, take advantage of the new flexibility to carry larger quantities of liquid in your hand luggage.

Bottom Line: A Step Forward for Airport Efficiency

The 100ml liquids relaxation at Birmingham and Edinburgh airports, made possible by state-of-the-art use of CT scanning technology, is a comfort to passengers. Widespread deployment of the technology will make airport security faster, and flights will progress better for the millions of passengers. Travellers would do well to remain vigilant about their own airport’s security arrangements, however, as not all terminals have implemented these measures.

The broader applications of this plan are positive for the travel industry in the UK, reducing lines and making life at airports a better experience. It is ongoing work on airports’ and the UK government’s part to improve passengers’ experience of travel as a whole and future flights more sustainable and more convenient.