Airport security rules that forbid air passengers from boarding a plane with more than 100ml of liquid in a container are to be relaxed and eventually abandoned by 2013.
The first stage in the process comes in April when transfer passengers will no longer have to surrender duty free bought at the start of their journey as they change planes.
The liquids rule was brought in back in August 2006 following a failed plan by terrorists to smuggle the separate components of a bomb on board a flight in order to assemble them whilst in the air.
The move follows concerted efforts by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond to persuade the government and Europe that there needs to be more flexibility in security measures across the world’s airport.
It is also thought that new technology is under development that will help security staff more effectively scan and monitor passenger hand luggage.
by Dinah Hatch
