Passengers at Gatwick Airport will be able to carry liquids in containers holding up to two litres.

Rules around taking liquids and laptops through airport security will be eased from June 2024, the government has announced.

Passengers at most major UK airports, including Gatwick, will be able to carry liquids in containers holding up to two litres in what is set to be the biggest relaxation of aviation security regulations in decades.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper confirmed he was "streamlining cabin bag rules at airports while enhancing security".

Travellers will also no longer need to carry the containers in clear plastic bags, or remove tablets and laptops from hand luggage at checkpoints.

The Department for Transport said major airports will be required to install new 3D-scanner technology which gives security staff more detailed images of what is in passengers’ bags.

The department will lay new legislation around the changes in parliament on Thursday.

Current airport security rules were introduced in 2006 following a foiled terror plot to blow up planes flying from London to the US with home-made liquid bombs. Travellers failing to adhere to these rules is one of the biggest causes of delays at airport security.

The Argus: Transport Secretary Mark Harper said ‘I’m streamlining cabin bag rules at airports while enhancing security’Transport Secretary Mark Harper said ‘I’m streamlining cabin bag rules at airports while enhancing security’ (Image: PA)

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “The tiny toiletry has become a staple of airport security checkpoints, but that’s all set to change.

“I’m streamlining cabin bag rules at airports while enhancing security.

“By 2024, major airports across the UK will have the latest security tech installed, reducing queuing times, improving the passenger experience, and most importantly detecting potential threats.

“Of course, this won’t happen straight away – this is going to take two years to be fully implemented.

“Until then, passengers must continue following the existing rules and check before travelling.”

The deadline of June 2024 is being introduced after several trials at airports which started in 2018.

It is already being used at overseas airports such as Schiphol in Amsterdam and several in the US.

Christopher Snelling, policy director at industry body the Airport Operators Association, said: “It will make the journey through the UK’s airports easier and air travel itself more pleasant.”