EU states agree on aviation security measures

EU member states have agreed to ban airline passengers from carrying large quantities of liquid onto aeroplanes in hand luggage in a response to recent security threats.

With some exceptions for drinks bought in shops beyond security checks, passengers will be limited to carrying on four or five liquid containers of no more than 100 ml (a third of the size of a can of Coke) which must fit into a transparent plastic bag of maximum size one litre. The measures will there-fore allow a certain amount of medicine, baby formula or contact lens solution to be taken on board.

Cabin luggage will be restricted to a maximum size of 56x45x25cm but some exceptions will be made for musical instruments.

The rules were agreed during a meeting of national aviation security experts yesterday (27 September) and will go before European commissioners next week for approval. The Commission expects the new rules on liquids to be in operation by early November, following their publication in the EU’s official journal.

Passengers will also have to remove coats and jackets at security checkpoints and take laptops and large electrical items out of their baggage to be screened separately, measures which already exist in most European airports.

"I warmly welcome the results of the committee meeting, which strike the necessary balance between a tough approach on security, the comfort of passengers and the needs of the industry," said a statement from Jacques Barrot, the transport commissioner.

The measures were taken in response to a security alert in August which resulted in bans on taking liquids on board airlines flying to and from the UK.

EU member states have agreed to ban airline passengers from carrying large quantities of liquid onto aeroplanes in hand luggage in a response to recent security threats.

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