The restrictions in place mean that passengers will have to be more careful when preparing their hand luggage, ensuring that any liquids, gels or aerosols they carry comply with the regulations. This includes products such as cosmetics, drinks, liquid medicines and gel foods. Exceptions, as has been customary, will apply to essential medicines and baby food, provided they are necessary during the flight.
The reintroduction of these restrictions will also affect the security process at airports, where checks are expected to be more rigorous. Passengers will have to remove the bag of liquids from their hand luggage and place it in a separate tray for inspection. In some cases, this could lead to longer waiting times at security checkpoints, so airport authorities recommend arriving well in advance of the flight to avoid any inconvenience.
Since these measures were first implemented in 2006 in response to a foiled terrorist threat, they have been the subject of both criticism and praise. On the one hand, travellers have seen them as an inconvenience, while security experts see them as an effective tool to prevent incidents on aircraft. The reactivation of these restrictions in September could again generate debate about their necessity and effectiveness in a context where security technology continues to advance.
Over the years, the European Commission has worked on the implementation of technologies that would eventually allow the removal of these restrictions. Advanced scanning systems, such as those using computed tomography (CT), can analyse the contents of bags more accurately, differentiating between potentially hazardous liquids and those that are safe. However, adoption of this technology has been uneven across the EU, and many airports are not yet equipped with these systems.
The decision to reinstate liquid restrictions underscores the need for greater investment in airport security technologies to balance protection with passenger convenience. Some experts suggest that, as more airports adopt these advanced technologies, the restrictions could be revised or even removed in the future. However, until that day comes, passengers will again have to adapt to stricter regulations.
The reintroduction of liquid restrictions at EU airports is a precautionary measure aimed at maintaining flight security, despite technological advances in baggage screening. Passengers will have to comply with these regulations from September, which could mean an adjustment in the way they prepare their hand luggage. In the meantime, the debate over the necessity and effectiveness of these restrictions will continue, especially in a world where technology continues to evolve and promise greater convenience for travellers.
