UK airports facing challenges in meeting a June 2024 deadline to install new security scanners have been granted an extension.

The move seeks to modernise and simplify security screening for passengers, maintaining high security standards, by incorporating advanced scanners designed to detect prohibited items with greater precision, thereby increasing the efficiency of security personnel and significantly improving the passenger experience by eliminating the need to remove items from carry-on items such as laptops and removing the current 100ml liquid limit.

Transport Minister Mark Harper highlighted the importance of this technological advancement, stating that “these next-generation scanners will make air travel safer and easier for passengers by further strengthening security.” Harper also stressed the UK’s global leadership in the adoption of this technology and the need to allow some airports additional time to complete their installations.

Despite the extension, the government is also prepared to impose financial penalties on airports that do not meet the revised deadline.

The decision to extend the deadline was in response to several challenges, including global supply chain issues caused by the pandemic, which hampered some airports’ ability to update their security systems in a timely manner. Logistical challenges in installing new equipment and, in some cases, the need to build entirely new control rooms also contributed to the delay.

“Airports are making excellent progress in delivering this multi-million pound investment programme,” said Karen Dee, Chief Executive of the Airport Operators Association, expressing gratitude for the Government’s recognition of the complexities involved in this huge task and their willingness to adjust the deadline.

On the airline side, Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, noted that “rolling out these changes across UK airports will be key to improving the airline passenger experience.”

Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis, but the airport will not detail them publicly for security reasons, so they recommend that passengers continue to adhere to the measures in place at the time.

According to the Daily Mirror, London City Airport was the first to complete the installation of the new scanners last year, while Heathrow will do so over the summer and Gatwick only in March next year, as well as Manchester, East Midlands and Stansted airports.