Airport security glitch sees return to 100ml liquids rule

Ministers have ordered an astonishing emergency U-turn on airport security following concerns about new equipment that allows passengers to keep liquids in their hand luggage. Airports with the new scanners have been ordered to reimpose old rules from midnight tonight, meaning that travellers will be limited to carrying 100ml containers.

- SIMON CALDER, ALASTAIR JAMIESON

The Independent understands that a range of concerns have been raised about the new equipment, which is also in use at overseas airports such as Schiphol in Amsterdam and Shannon in Ireland. While security has never been compromised, a number of airports using the new scanners have experienced long queues due to a higher-than-expected rejection rate, as security officers carry out hand searches.

The government has told airports with “next generation security checkpoints” – which were supposed to end the hassle of placing toiletries in clear plastic bags for separate screening – to revert to the old rules on liquids, aerosols and gels.