EU confirms end of 100ml liquid rule is imminent for air travel
A major change to air travel in Europe is on the horizon, as the European Commission has confirmed plans to phase out the long-standing 100ml limit on liquids in hand luggage. The move, set to ease one of the most restrictive and unpopular security measures for flyers, is likely to begin rolling out at selected airports in the very near future.
For years, passengers have been required to place all liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of no more than 100ml, with exceptions only for essential medication or baby food. The rule, introduced in 2006, was designed to prevent potential threats involving liquid explosives, something older airport scanners were unable to detect reliably.
However, the tide is turning. The European Commission has revealed that it is working to implement a new generation of advanced screening technology capable of detecting threats in larger liquid containers. These next-gen scanners, already tested successfully, make the 100ml restriction obsolete, at least at airports equipped with the new systems.
Several airports across the EU are already leading the way. Rome and Milan in Italy, as well as facilities in Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Sweden, and the Netherlands, either have the scanners in place or are preparing to install them.
In June 2025, the Commission, together with the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), approved a joint protocol to standardise and authorise the widespread use of these scanners across EU airports. Once validated by the ECAC, the manufacturers can begin distributing the systems, allowing airports to lift the liquid limits and even let passengers keep their liquids inside their bags.
While the rollout won’t be uniform across the bloc, as adoption depends on each airport’s ability to invest in the new, more expensive scanners, EU sources have said the changes could begin “within days” at selected airports.
The phased removal of the 100ml rule is expected to bring welcome relief to millions of travellers, especially during the peak summer season. However, passengers are advised to check with their departure airport before travelling, as the new policy will not be implemented simultaneously across all locations.
This step marks a significant shift in aviation security and is part of broader efforts to streamline the passenger experience while maintaining high safety standards. For residents and tourists in the Canary Islands and beyond, this could mean an easier, less stressful journey through airport security in the near future.
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