Gatwick Airport is trialling new security measures which will allow passengers to travel with greater ease.

Airports across the country will roll out new security scanners by June next year, with passengers able to carry toiletries through checks without placing them in a separate bag.

The plans will see the 100ml liquid rule, imposed in November 2006 after a terrorist plot involving explosives in drinks bottles was thwarted, will be axed.

After the rule change, departing passengers will no longer have to restrict toiletries and liquids to 100ml bottles in clear plastic bags, and will be able to leave laptops, tablets and mobile phones in their hand luggage during security screening.

MOST READ:

Gatwick is currently trialling the new technology in one security lane and aims to implement them fully across the airport by the June 2024 deadline.

However, passengers are still advised to continue to follow all the current guidance on liquids.

A Gatwick airport spokesman said: “The vast majority of passengers at Gatwick will experience security as normal, so should continue to follow all existing rules, ensuring they do not carry any liquids, gels, pastes or creams of more than 100ml in their hand luggage.

“Any items below 100ml need to be placed in a transparent, resealable tag to be screened through security, while laptops, tablets, coats, watches and belts also need to be removed and placed in a separate tray.

“By being prepared, we hope to get passengers through airport security quickly, so they can go on and relax ahead of their flight, enjoy a drink or sit down for a meal.”

Subscribe to gain unlimited access to The Argus website and read all the biggest and best stories from across Brighton and Sussex

Travellers failing to adhere to the rules over liquids is one of the biggest causes of delays at airport security.

London City Airport became the UK’s first major airport to allow all passengers to pass through security without removing laptops and liquids from hand luggage earlier this month.

Aviation minister Baroness Vere said: “We’re making sure that all major airports across the UK introduce a new generation of sophisticated security technology and it’s great to see this being harnessed at London City Airport.

“This will reduce queuing times, improve the passenger experience and most importantly detect potential threats.”