100ml liquid rule scrapped at 2 airports as Dublin issues major update

Irish Daily Mirror

08-07-2025

Anyone who has taken to the skies in the last two decades knows that passengers are not allowed to carry any liquids over 100mls in their hand luggage - a rule introduced in 2006 following a foiled terror plot involving liquid explosives disguised as soft drinks.
Since then, we have all grown used to the routine of squeezing toiletries into tiny containers, placing them in clear plastic bags and removing them for inspection at airport security.
But that long-standing rule is beginning to change. Thanks to the rollout of new scanning technology, some airports are scrapping the 100ml liquid limit altogether - allowing larger volumes to be carried through security without being removed from luggage.
Two major UK airports popular with Irish travellers, Birmingham and Edinburgh, have officially lifted the liquid restriction. Travellers flying from either airport can now keep liquids in containers up to two litres inside their hand luggage as they pass through security, without needing to separate them.
This change was made possible after both airports received approval from the UK's Department for Transport for the use of advanced 3D security scanners.
Gordon Dewar, CEO of Edinburgh Airport, explained: "A whole generation of travellers have only known the 100ml rule to be the case, so it really is a momentous day as we become the first airport in Scotland to lift the rule since it was introduced in 2006. The change allows more flexibility for passengers to take liquids through security, all while maintaining and improving our high safety levels through the use of 3D technology."
However, passengers are still being reminded to check the rules at their return airport, as not all have adopted the changes yet - and different rules could cause confusion or delays.
Gordon added: "But it is important that passengers continue to check with the situation at their return airport as not all airports will be moving away from 100ml just yet."
Meanwhile in Ireland, Dublin Airport has issued a major update, stating that it remains hopeful the 100ml rule will soon be lifted - but it's still awaiting confirmation from regulators.
Dublin is in the final stages of rolling out new C3 scanners in both terminals. Once complete and approved, these scanners will allow passengers to leave liquids and electronic devices inside their bags at security, with no 100ml restriction.
Spokesperson Graeme McQueen said earlier this summer: "The temporary EU regulation that requires liquids to come out of bags at security screening remains in place. While we're hopeful this rule will change soon, we await confirmation from our regulators. Until then, liquids need to be 100mls or under and they need to come out of bags for screening.
"Our roll-out of new C3 scanners is going really well and will be totally finished in both terminals later this year, which will put us in a position to remove the 100ml limit altogether and mean that liquids can stay in bags at security screening, subject to regulatory approval and also the removal of the EU's temporary rule."