Birmingham Airport to scrap 100ml liquid hand luggage restriction for passengers - full details & date change

There’s nothing like the excitement of arriving at Birmingham Airport with your bags packed ready to fly off on holiday.

But the stringent - yet vital - security arrangements can add a bit of a strain to plans. And it’s an added stress while packing, working out what you can and can’t bring.

However a major change is coming from June 2024 as a new security provider, called Smiths Detection, is due to take over checkpoints in a £20m screening upgrade

The new security checkpoints will feature Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX, a computed tomography (CT) X-ray scanner, which produces high-resolution volumetric 3D images for quicker and deeper baggage assessment and low false-alarm rates.

Implementation of the new scanner will allow passengers to leave their liquids and electronics in their hand luggage - and they will no longer have to restrict liquids to 100ml. However there will be a new limit of two litres of liquids in carry-on luggage.

BirminghamWorld has been told that Birmingham Airport’s security upgrade is in line with changes in the UK regulation that will require the adoption of CT passenger checkpoints to airports by June 2024 - allowing passengers to bring up to two litres of liquids in carry-on, and eliminate the need to remove electronics and liquids in bags.

However, passengers are advised to check the rules for carrying liquids at any airport through which they may transfer during their journey and at their return airport, as many destinations may not have implemented this new technology.

What happens until the 100ml changes in June 2024?

With the change not being implemented until June 2024 Birmingham Airport has stressed that the present 100ml liquid restrictions will remain in place until then.

There will also be a series of different walking routes and queuing spaces in operation at the airport this summer as the security upgrade takes place.

They say the new ‘next generation’ security facility is on course to be operational by June 2024. Until then the existing pre-flight security area remains in use - as do existing security guidelines, including removing liquids and large electrical items from hand luggage.

Nick Barton, chief executive of BHX, said: “Imagine a football stadium having its stands rebuilt and its pitch re-laid while continuing to stage matches … that’s rather like what we’re doing at Birmingham Airport right now.

“Customers will see construction outside the terminal and various areas cordoned off. Walking routes and queuing spaces, including on the ground floor, will change this summer as work progresses. Our wayfinding and other signage will change too - and, of course, our friendly staff will be on hand to help customers stay on the move.”

He added: “Our new security area is a major investment which will make things quicker and easier for customers. And the improved efficiency it delivers will help grow our annual customer numbers from 12m to 18m by 2033, in turn helping boost economic growth across the West Midlands region.”

What else does Smith’s Detection do?

Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and security screening technologies. Other new solutions to be supplied to Birmingham Airport includes the iLane, an automatic tray return system, and additional X-ray systems which will also be deployed at staff and visitor checkpoints.

In addition, Smiths Detection will deliver a comprehensive training programme that includes face-to-face training for Supervisors and Operators and five years of service support.

What has Birmingham Airport said about the new security equipment in its own words?

Stephen Barker, Development & Construction Director at Birmingham Airport, said: “Once built and operational in June 2024, our new pre-flight screening area will further enhance our already high standards of security as well as improve the efficiency of our operation.

“This improved efficiency will enable us to process customers quickly, especially at peak travel times. Customers will no longer be required to remove liquids and laptops from hand luggage.

“We have selected Smiths Detection because of their proven track record in developing leading technology that improves safety and efficiency, and their commitment to work with us and continue the journey of improvement for many years to come.”

What has Smiths Detection said about working with Birmingham Airport in its own words?

Smiths Detection UK Head of Market, Andy Evripides, said: “We’re delighted that Birmingham Airport has selected Smiths Detection to provide it with leading technology to enhance security outcomes and improve efficiency for a smoother passenger experience.

“Smiths Detection was awarded this contract due to our leading-edge technology solutions, consultative design process, innovative five-year support service, as well as our ongoing commitment to future technology enhancements such as automatic threat detection algorithms that can be easily integrated into our technology.”