Thursday, July 31, 2025
Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Ireland and the European Union are rolling back decades-old liquid restrictions at select airports as part of a continentwide smart-security push with cutting-edge 3D CT scanners at the heart of the changes. This is a significant breakthrough in European aviation security and a first in terms of the deployment of technology at such a scale,” said Guido Körber, a director for the European Commission’s security union, a department overseeing security within the Commission, adding that passengers traveling through the enhanced terminals could now bring more than 100ml of liquid in their hand luggage, thanks to “new explosives detection technology” that could create 3D images detailed enough to improve threat detection without forcing passengers to remove items from their bags. And yet, the relaxing of these rules now is further evidence of progress in the direction of easier airport life, now made more confusing as the relaxation befalls countries, airports and even different terminals, showing that, like never before, travelers need to keep up to date before heading to the airport.
EU Airports Begin Phasing Out Liquid Restrictions With Advanced Scanners, But Rollout Remains Uneven
The European Union has begun phasing out its long-standing carry-on liquid restrictions at select airports, marking a major shift in airport security policy after nearly two decades. Thanks to the rollout of next-generation 3D scanning technology, air travelers can now carry larger volumes of liquids through security in certain terminals across the bloc.
This major change is being implemented at airports such as Frankfurt (FRA), Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), Milan Linate (LIN), and several others where high-tech computed tomography (CT) scanners are already in use. However, due to the non-uniform nature of this transition, travelers are facing growing confusion, as not all airports—and not all terminals within the same airport—are applying the new rules simultaneously.
New Technology Reshapes Old Rules
The shift in policy revolves around advanced CT scanners that use 3D imaging to analyze the contents of passengers’ bags with greater accuracy. Unlike traditional X-ray machines, these scanners allow security agents to inspect items without requiring passengers to remove liquids or electronics from their bags. This technological leap makes it possible to detect potential threats more efficiently while allowing greater convenience for travelers.
With the new scanners in place, passengers are now permitted to carry liquids of up to two liters in their hand luggage—far surpassing the long-enforced 100ml limit introduced in 2006. However, this more relaxed policy only applies at security checkpoints where approved CT scanners—particularly those manufactured by Smiths Detection—have been installed and certified by EU aviation regulators.
Other scanner brands, such as Rapiscan and Nuctech, do not yet meet the technical standards set by the EU for enabling the relaxed liquid rules. As a result, airports equipped with these alternative systems are not participating in the new policy, creating a fragmented experience for passengers.
A Patchwork of Airport Policies
The new rules are not mandated at the EU level but are instead being left to the discretion of national governments and individual airport authorities. This decentralized approach means that implementation varies significantly across the bloc, with some airports fast-tracking upgrades while others proceed cautiously or delay changes altogether.
Airports such as Milan Linate have already adopted the updated procedures in certain terminals, while others like Terminal 2 at the same airport still enforce the old restrictions. Similarly, in countries like Ireland and Spain, airports including Dublin (DUB) and Barcelona (BCN) have begun upgrading their security infrastructure, but the process remains ongoing and incomplete.
This inconsistency is causing confusion for travelers, especially those on round trips who may encounter different rules at departure and return points. For example, a traveler departing from a terminal with relaxed restrictions may still face the original 100ml liquid rule when returning from another airport, making it difficult to plan accordingly.
Member States Maintain Control
Although EU authorities have given the green light for loosening the liquids ban, they have stopped short of imposing a uniform timeline. Instead, they have authorized each member state and airport operator to determine the pace and scope of their own implementation.
Key hubs such as Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Munich (MUC), and Madrid Barajas (MAD) are eligible for the technology upgrades, but many have yet to announce a concrete schedule for rolling out the new scanners or updating their liquid policies.
Notably, an initial attempt to lift the ban during the summer of 2024 was temporarily halted due to a technical vulnerability. Officials later confirmed that the issue had been resolved, but the incident underscores the EU’s cautious approach in prioritizing security while moving toward more modern and passenger-friendly practices.
What Travelers Should Know
While the policy update represents a step forward for airport efficiency and traveler convenience, it has also introduced considerable uncertainty. Passengers are urged to check with both their departure and arrival airports before traveling, as liquid restrictions may differ not only from country to country but even from terminal to terminal.
In the absence of clear and consistent information, the safest practice for now is to continue following the traditional 100ml liquid limit in carry-on bags unless signage or staff at the airport specifically state otherwise.
As the rollout continues, the EU aims to expand access to these updated rules across more locations. With over 700 CT scanners either installed or in the process of being deployed in 21 countries—including Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, and Spain—broader adoption is expected over time.
However, until full standardization is achieved, passengers should remain alert to the rules at each airport and prepare accordingly to avoid delays, confiscations, or missed flights.
Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Ireland and the European Union are relaxing airport liquid bans using new 3D CT scanners for a safer and faster security check. This change allows passengers to bring liquids over 100ml, but implementation varies by airport.
Dining here is based on fresh, locally- caught seafood and room rates range from 2 to 4.5 million VND per night, inclusive of 3 meals a day. Tropical Eglamping Mui Ne is ideal for anyone who just wants a little feel of the great mother nature but isn’t ready to sacrifice comfort, privacy, or (good) food!
