European Commission (EC) regulators are to go ahead with new rules limiting the quantity of individual liquids permitted in passenger carry-on luggage as part of an overhaul of aviation security measures.
Most of the new measures will enter force in November following backing for the proposals by the Regulatory Committee for Civil Aviation Security – a grouping of security experts from the European Union (EU) member states – at a meeting in Brussels yesterday.
The proposals have been drawn up in light of the threat posed from liquid explosives, believed to have been central to an alleged plot to destroy transatlantic aircraft, which was foiled in the UK last month.
Specifically the measures proposed include the following:
* Limiting the individual quantities of liquids permitted for carriage by passengers to 100ml (3.4US fl oz) per container
* Requiring that the number of containers fit into one transparent re-sealable plastic bag of a maximum size of 1 litre (1 US qt)
* Requiring passengers to present the plastic bag at security checkpoints
* Limiting the size of cabin baggage allowed to a maximum of 56cm (22.5in) x 45cm x 25cm, with possibilities for some exemptions – for example, musical instruments
* Require passengers to remove coats and jackets at security checkpoints
* Require laptop computers and large electrical items to be removed from bags at security checkpoints
EC transport commissioner Jacques Barrot says: ''Thanks to this positive opinion of the Committee, I will now submit a proposal to the College to formally incorporate these rules into Community law. I expect this to be adopted in the course of 2-9 October.”
Barrot says the new rules strike the necessary balance between a tough approach on security, passengers’ comfort and industry needs.
The new EU rules will enter force in early November, 20 days after their publication in the EC’s Official Journal, except for the rules on the size of cabin baggage. These will follow later to allow operators time to prepare.
They form part of efforts by the EC to develop a more harmonised approach within Europe, although a the EC notes member states can implement stricter measures if they consider them necessary.
Stricter measures are currently still in place in the UK. While the UK government has gradually been easing the stringent security measures it implemented following the discovery of the alleged plot, its ban on carrying liquids through security checkpoints remains in place.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
