The passengers had (almost) all got used to it. Since 2006, liquid containers of 100 ml or less have been required to be sealed in plastic bags.. As well as taking laptops out of their bags when going through airport security checks. In recent months, however, security measures at some European Union airports have been eased. Those with new C3 scanners.
Europe's major hubs deploy C3 scanners
These machines are similar to those used in hospitals for examinations. They provide a 3D view of the baggage, offering complete detection. All to the benefit of the passenger, who is no longer obliged to empty his or her bag. Checks are reduced to a few minutes, sometimes just one. According to the experts, the installation of such technology would make it possible toincrease control capacity by 30%.
Many airports in Europe are using this new system to some extent. Like in Paris-Orly, Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, Malta, Rome-Fiumicino, Stockholm-Arlanda or more recently Paris-CDG, Dublin, Madrid, Barcelona and Zurich. Other cities such as Copenhagen, Vienna and Geneva have announced that they will be installing them by 2026.
But could there be a flaw in the system? In the UK, the Department for Transport reintroduced the 100ml restriction for liquids in June. at the six airports equipped with 3D scanners. These are London City Airport, Aberdeen, Leeds-Bradford, Newcastle, Southend and Teeside.
The return of the 100 ml standard
In turn, the European Union has just issued the same temporary restriction for equipped airports. In a press release, The European Commission is to apply temporary restrictions to the filter inspection of liquids from 1 September.. The return of the old rules affects theAirports in the EU, Iceland, Switzerland and Norway.
The maximum authorised size for individual liquid containers will therefore revert to the previous standard of 100 ml. for all airports. The European Commission states that " this precautionary measure does not respond to a new threat, but rather to an existing one temporary technical problemin agreement with the EU's international partners" .
The Commission says it is working closely with the Member States and the European Civil Aviation Conference to develop rapid technical solutionsThis is the first of its kind, guaranteeing the highest standards of safety and security in air transport.
ACI Europe enraged
The decision obviously outrages theACI Europe, which represents the continent's airports. The association points out that this new change will entail major operational constraints. Notably the deployment of additional staff. And a potential reconfiguration of security checkpoints.
The ACI also complains that this measure devalues airport investment. The association points out that the cost of the machines is on average 8 times higher than conventional X-ray inspection machines.
For Olivier Jankovec, Managing Director of ACI Europe: " Safety is non-negotiable. As safety is non-negotiable, all airports will comply fully with the new restriction. Nevertheless, airports that were the first to adopt this new technology are being heavily penalised, both operationally and financially." .
He continues. " These airports took the decision to invest in and deploy C3 scanners in good faith, on the basis that the EU had given the green light to this equipment without any restrictions. The decision to impose to impose significant restrictions on their use calls into question the industry can have confidence in the current EU certification system. We must ensure that the EU certification system provides the necessary legal certainty and operational stability for the future." .
An urgent timetable for lifting restrictions
ACI Europe is calling for a roadmap giving dates for a return to normality. And above all specify whether liquids limited to 100ml can remain in cabin baggage during C3 scanner checks.
ACI Europe paints a somewhat gloomier picture. The fact is, it seems that the restriction imposed by the Commission only applies to liquids larger than 100 ml. Passengers should continue to leave laptops, phones and other electronic items in their bags. This will nonetheless contribute to a smoother passage through security checks.
