Travel In Europe To Get Easier As New Security Tech At EU Airports Ends One Hunderd Ml Liquid Restriction For Carry-On Luggage

Published on July 27, 2025

European air travel is set for a seismic shift as EU airports start getting rid of the 100ml liquid rule – a longstanding ban introduced following terrorism alerts in 2006. The game changing technology is driven by the introduction of new cutting-edge 3D CT screening equipment, with the very latest advances in technology to detect explosives using liquids, which will be used to screen passengers’ cabin luggage at airports: liquid explosives can now be detected, without the need for passengers to remove LAGs from their baggage without impacting the passenger experience and reducing the quantity of single use plastic bags sold at airports. As they are being slowly rolled out to the world’s busiest airports – among others, airport in Rome, Milan, Amsterdam and Dublin – passengers may see quicker, smoother processing and fewer hand-luggage limitations; a substantial advancement in passenger comfort and aviation security.

EU Airports Set to End 100ml Liquid Rule as Advanced Scanning Tech Rolls Out

Airports across the European Union are poised to overhaul one of the most persistent travel inconveniences — the 100ml liquid restriction for hand luggage. A sweeping modernization of airport security systems is now underway, following the formal approval of next-generation 3D screening technology capable of identifying liquid-based threats with greater accuracy and speed.

The European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), a key body overseeing aviation safety and regulation, gave the green light to the use of these advanced scanners in June 2025 after extensive trials. This marks the beginning of a new era in air travel, where passengers could soon carry full-sized toiletries, cosmetics, and beverages in their cabin baggage without needing to transfer them into small, transparent plastic bags.

A Long-Awaited Change for Travelers

Since 2006, travelers flying from European airports have been restricted to carrying liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers no larger than 100 milliliters. Introduced in the wake of thwarted terror plots involving liquid explosives, the rule was seen as necessary for aviation security. However, it has remained a widely criticized policy for nearly two decades, especially among frequent flyers and families.

The long queues, last-minute disposal of items, and confusion over exemptions — such as for medications and baby food — have made airport security checkpoints a frustrating experience. But with technology finally catching up, a major shift is now underway.

New Scanners Offering 3D Precision and Safety

The technology behind this change is nothing short of groundbreaking. The scanners being introduced across EU airports utilize Computer Tomography (CT) — similar to the imaging systems used in hospitals — to create detailed 3D images of the contents of passengers’ bags. These systems can accurately detect potential threats, including explosives and prohibited materials, even if they’re inside larger liquid containers.

Unlike traditional X-ray scanners, these machines allow security personnel to analyze items from multiple angles and identify suspicious substances with a higher degree of precision. The enhanced detection capability ensures that security is not compromised while simultaneously easing restrictions for travelers.

Rollout Begins Across Major EU Airports

The European Commission has endorsed the initiative, but the rollout will be phased and decentralized. Implementation decisions are being left to individual EU member states and airport authorities, based on readiness, available infrastructure, and budget considerations.

Italy has taken the lead in this technological transformation, with Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport and Milan’s Malpensa Airport already equipped with the new scanners. Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Sweden are expected to begin phased installations by early 2026, while other airports across France, Spain, and Eastern Europe are currently finalizing their deployment plans.

Some airports had already begun installing the equipment in 2024, but delays emerged due to software integration issues and operator training requirements. These setbacks have now been addressed through coordinated efforts between airport authorities and ECAC, paving the way for a smoother rollout.

Travelers Urged to Follow Existing Rules for Now

Despite the optimism surrounding this major policy shift, the 100ml rule remains in effect across most EU airports. Passengers are urged to continue following existing guidelines until each airport officially announces the lifting of restrictions. Carry-on liquids must still be stored in containers of 100ml or less, placed inside a resealable clear plastic bag, and presented separately at the security checkpoint.

As more terminals upgrade their security systems and pass regulatory milestones, updates will be communicated by local airport authorities through their official channels. Travelers are advised to check with their departure airport in advance, as implementation will not be uniform across all EU destinations.

A Milestone in Aviation Security and Passenger Experience

This move is being hailed as one of the most significant upgrades in passenger screening protocols since the introduction of full-body scanners. Beyond improving convenience, the adoption of CT-based screening reflects a broader shift in how airports balance safety with the growing demand for seamless travel.

The transition is also expected to reduce wait times at security, improve operational efficiency, and reduce waste generated by single-use plastic bags — aligning with broader sustainability goals embraced by many European transport authorities.

Industry experts believe the EU’s step forward could influence global standards, encouraging airports in the United States, Asia, and the Middle East to accelerate their own adoption of similar technologies. Several UK airports, including Heathrow and Birmingham, have already begun rolling out these systems and plan to scrap the 100ml rule by 2026.

With international travel steadily rebounding to pre-pandemic levels, the easing of restrictive and outdated security measures is a welcome relief for millions of flyers. The modernization of carry-on rules not only improves the airport experience but also reinforces public trust in the technological capabilities of modern aviation.

How the EU airline industry is thinking smart now This forward-looking attitude can only be a good thing for passengers, who can expect a future in which flying is no longer a chore but an altogether more efficient, transmissable experience.

EU airports are ending the 100ml liquid rule as new 3D scanning technology can now safely detect liquid explosives in larger containers.

It may be 2026 or later before the EU has full implementation at all terminals, but the wheels have started turning. A more efficient, more intelligent, more secure travel environment is within sight — and so too is the death of the current liquid 100ml headache.