Gatwick Airport is set to miss the deadline for the roll-out of new security scanners that will scrap restrictions on liquids.

The new scanners will remove the need for travellers to take liquids and electronics out of their bags at airport security.

One security lane had been converted to the new advanced scanners as part of a successful trial, but the airport has now admitted it will miss a government deadline of June 2024 to install them at all security lanes.

Gatwick Airport said “significant progress” had been made in installing the “state-of-the-art” scanners, but said the work would not be complete until after the busy summer and Christmas period.

A spokeswoman for the airport said: “We currently plan to have completed the major logistical operation required to install the remaining scanners in the first quarter of 2025, after the busy summer peak period has concluded.

“The airport’s investment in this new technology means once the new scanners are phased in, the security process will be transformed with passengers no longer required to remove electrical items or put liquids in plastic bags.

“The new scanners will also quickly identify potential threats in cabin baggage by providing even better images of luggage, with the safety of passengers the airport’s highest priority.”

Other airports across the country, including Heathrow and Manchester, have also signalled that installation would not be complete until next year.

It is understood the Department for Transport may consider extensions to the deadline where appropriate.

The current 100ml limit on liquid bottles was introduced in 2006, after a terrorist plot involving explosives in drinks bottles was thwarted.

Those travelling through Gatwick are still advised to follow stringent security measures, including putting liquid toiletries in a transparent plastic bag and removing electrical items, such as laptops and iPads, from hand luggage to be x-rayed.

Gatwick is the busiest single-runway airport in Europe, with almost 33 million people travelling through the airport each year, with flights to more than 200 destinations.