Airports across the EU are expected to phase out the long-standing 100ml limit on liquids in hand baggage, as advanced security screening systems capable of detecting liquid explosives come into wider use, euronews.com, has reported.
The European Commission confirmed to Euronews that plans are underway to roll out this change, initially reported by Il Corriere della Sera. The move would allow passengers to carry larger bottles and containers in their cabin bags without breaching security regulations.
Currently, EU rules restrict liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in carry-on luggage to containers of 100ml or less due to limitations in traditional X-ray systems. Exceptions are allowed only for baby food, medication, and special dietary items.
However, next-generation explosive detection systems have already been installed at select EU airports, including Rome and Milan, allowing for more accurate scanning of liquids. These systems had faced temporary restrictions imposed by the European Commission in 2023 for technical evaluation.
Working with the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), the Commission recently approved a new screening solution in June 2025. Manufacturers must now submit their equipment for certification. Once approved by ECAC, it will be cleared for use across the EU, enabling screening of larger liquid volumes.
Deployment of this technology could begin “in the coming days,” a Commission spokesperson said. However, implementation will vary across the bloc, as not all airports currently have the required systems, which are more costly than conventional scanners.
According to Corriere della Sera, seven Italian terminals are already equipped. Airports in countries such as Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Sweden, and the Netherlands may soon follow suit.
Source: euronews.com
