London, April 4 (EFECOM).- The easing of limits on liquids that passengers can carry in hand luggage at security checks at UK airports has been delayed by a year, the British Government reported this Thursday.

The new technology, which lets you know the type of liquid in your handbag and extends the limit, is due to come into effect in the UK on June 1.

However, authorities announced this Thursday that extensions have been granted to several airports in the country that have not been able to meet the deadline to install the machines.

The new scanner produces more detailed images, meaning passengers are allowed to pass through airport security with containers holding up to two liters of liquid in their carry-on baggage.

At airports that do not yet have this technology, the 100 milliliter limit will be maintained and containers will have to be placed in transparent plastic bags as has been done so far.

The new scanner also eliminates the need to remove laptops and tablets from carry-on baggage.

In August 2019, then Prime Minister Boris Johnson initially set a deadline of December 2022 for most airports to roll out new scanners, but this was pushed back to June 1 this year.

The government believes this extension will be enough for all airports to complete their work.

Authorities have not given details of the situation at each airport, citing security reasons, but have said that by early June it is expected that half of passengers flying from UK airports will be screened with the new scanners.

However, passengers are advised to be prepared to follow existing regulations and check with the airport for any changes.

Heathrow airport in London has indicated that it hopes to have new scanners in all security lanes this summer, while Gatwick airport in London hopes to complete the program by the end of March next year.

According to Airport Operators Association chief executive Karen Dee, airports are making “tremendous progress in delivering a multi-million pound investment programme, which will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of aviation safety in the years to come”.

“As with any program of this complexity, there are significant challenges and we are pleased that the Government has recognized this and agreed to extend implementation times if necessary,” he added. EFECOM

vg/jmj