Liquid rules eased for passengers at Dublin Airport

Liquid rules are set to be eased at Dublin Airport, as from midnight on Thursday, passengers won’t need to take liquids, gels, or electronics out of their hand luggage at security in either terminal.

The old 100ml or less liquid rule is being relaxed too, with departing passengers permitted to carry up to two litres in their hand luggage, while liquids and gels no longer need to be packed into clear plastic bags.

The change is due to an upgrade by daa in the scanning technology that is used to screen departing passengers and their hand luggage before they fly.

Passengers will still need to remove all items from their pockets, including keys, wallets and phones.

Items such as belts, footwear which extends over the ankle, jackets, hoodies, oversized jumpers and cardigans must be removed and placed in the security tray.

Around 30 new cutting-edge “C3” scanners and body scanners have been rolled out in Dublin Airport’s two terminals.

The new C3 scanners use technology similar to CT scanners in hospitals, generating 3D images of bags, which makes it easier to detect what is inside.

Three scanners have been installed in a new secondary screening area located on the mezzanine level in Terminal 1, open to passengers from 4 am until mid-afternoon every day.

Gary McLean, Managing Director of Dublin Airport, said: "This is a very positive and welcome development for passengers and staff.

"The new C3 scanners are best in class in terms of security detection standards and they significantly enhance the passenger experience, permitting passengers to leave all liquids and laptops inside their cabin bags with the systems working like CT scanners in hospitals to generate 3D images of bags.

"The rollout of this new technology involved a substantial financial investment by daa and posed a significant operational challenge to the airport.

"Nevertheless, security times over the recent peak summer months, when we handled a record 11 million passengers, were both smooth and efficient, with 96 per cent of passengers proceeding through security screening in under 20 minutes.

"This investment puts Dublin Airport on a par with the best airports in the world when it comes to having the best and most efficient scanning technology available.