UK airports call for liquids ban to remain in place

New regulations could see a ban lifted on liquids for air passengers’ hand luggage. But UK airports are asking the government to keep it in place.

The Air Operations Association (AOA) claims that the new technology systems in place are not developed enough to handle the relaxation of the ban. The ban relaxation, which is scheduled for April 2013, will mean that liquids, aerosols and gels will be allowed into hand luggage. The AOA has warned that airport security queues will grow along with delay times if liquid is allowed through to the plane.

Darren Caplan, AOA chief, said that passenger security needs to be of the highest priority, and called on the UK government to lobby its European counterparts to keep the rules in place.

“Liquids technology has been trialed throughout Europe and the latest significant trials show that the technology is still not mature enough to handle the vast numbers of passenger travelling through our airports,” he said. The AOA has written a letter to Transport Secretary Justine Greening, asking for the ban to remain in place.

Although the liquids rules are not due to change until April 2013, the decision on the ban must be made very soon, to provide clarity for all those involved. “If implemented as things stand, there would be chaos and confusion in airport central search areas,” Mr Caplan added.

“As well as being bad for passengers, we believe that it will put security at risk.We know that manufacturers of liquids-detection equipment are working hard to deliver the technology and we of course want to see the eventual lifting of the ban, not partially but in its entirety.” If you are planning a trip abroad in the near future, you’ll still have to conform to the rules on in-flight liquids. Also, remember to take out travel insurance before you leave, to stay protected while you’re away.

Date Created: 13/06/2012