The European Commission has recently reinstated the 100ml liquid limit for air travel across Europe, a move that requires immediate attention from airport operators. This policy reversal, driven by a "temporary technical issue" with new CT scanners, mandates operational adjustments for airports that had adopted new liquid screening protocols.
This development requires airports to reassess their security lane operations, focusing on maintaining efficiency while adapting to the reintroduced restrictions.

Understanding the Reinstatement
In late July, the European Commission announced that the maximum size for individual liquid containers would revert to 100ml. This decision was not a reaction to any new security threat but was necessitated by issues with the new generation of CT scanners that had allowed liquids to remain in passengers’ bags. There is no clear timeline for when this restriction might be lifted again, which means airports must operate under these constraints indefinitely.
This unexpected shift brings operational challenges, particularly for airports that had already invested in and adjusted to the new screening protocols. The swift reintroduction of the 100ml rule means that airports must now refocus on processes and procedures that had been phased out.
Impact on Throughput: Divestment Times and Reject Rates
The reintroduction of the 100ml liquid limit requires careful monitoring of overall throughput capacity in airport security lanes, focusing on two key areas: divestment and tray rejects. Both areas can become bottlenecks, potentially slowing down the security process and affecting passenger flow.
The most immediate impact will be on the divestment process. While passengers can now carry individual liquid containers of up to 100ml without needing to place them in plastic bags or remove them from their hand luggage using CT technology, the overall time at this stage could still increase significantly.
This is especially true if passengers engage in extensive back-and-forth discussions with divestment officers regarding compliance. Non-compliance could lead to substantial slowdowns, especially during peak travel periods, as passengers may require additional time to prepare their items for screening. Additionally, as passengers adapt to the stricter rules, the likelihood of non-compliance may rise, leading to higher reject rates at the screening stage. Non-compliant items will necessitate manual inspection, further slowing down the process and impacting throughput capacity.
To mitigate these challenges, airports must closely monitor reject rates and identify emerging patterns—such as specific times of day, flights, or passenger groups where non-compliance is more prevalent. This data will be crucial for implementing targeted interventions, such as reallocating resources during peak times to manage manual inspections and minimize delays.

Ensuring Clear Communication with Passengers
A key challenge with the reintroduction of the 100ml liquid limit is ensuring passengers understand the new requirements. While passengers are no longer required to place liquids in plastic bags, they must still adhere to the 100ml limit for individual containers. Clear and effective communication about these rules is essential, given the diverse demographics at European airports.
Airports should utilize all available communication channels—such as signage, PA announcements, digital displays, and pre-departure reminders through airlines—to convey these updated regulations clearly and in multiple languages. Proactive communication will help passengers comply with the new rules and avoid confusion at the security checkpoint, which can reduce reject rates and maintain smoother throughput.
Operational Adjustments and Best Practices
In response to these changes, airport security managers should revisit their lane configurations and resource allocations. With the reintroduction of the 100ml rule, passenger preparation becomes more critical than ever. Ensuring that passengers are properly prepared before they reach the security lane will have a positive impact on both divestment times and reject rates. Preparation should be facilitated in dedicated areas away from the security lanes, typically before passengers enter the queue. By guiding passengers to correctly organize their liquids and other items in advance, the security process can proceed more smoothly and efficiently, leading to reduced divestment times and fewer reject rates, ultimately minimizing potential bottlenecks at the divestment points.
For further details on enhancing security lane throughput through effective lane balancing, see this LinkedIn article.
Are CT Scanners Still Worth It?
For airports considering the investment in new CT scanners, the decision remains advantageous despite the reintroduction of the 100ml liquid limit. The restrictions still allow passengers to keep liquids and laptops in their bags. In addition, CT scanners continue to offer substantial benefits. They provide detailed imaging and improved threat detection, which enhances overall security and reduces the need for manual inspections. These advantages are maximized when security lanes are designed with a well-balanced approach, effectively integrating CT scanners into the screening process. This strategic investment supports long-term operational efficiency and positions airports to meet future security needs and evolving industry standards.
Looking Ahead
As the industry adapts to this regulatory change, it is essential to remain flexible and proactive. While the reintroduction of the 100ml liquid limit presents challenges, it also offers an opportunity to reassess and optimize security lane operations. By closely monitoring key metrics, ensuring clear communication with passengers, and making necessary operational adjustments, airports can continue to manage security efficiently despite the added constraints.
In the absence of a timeline for when these restrictions might be lifted, airport operators must focus on maintaining efficiency and preparedness. By staying ahead of potential bottlenecks and ensuring that passengers are well-informed, airports can mitigate the impact of these changes and continue to provide a smooth and secure travel experience.
If your airport is facing challenges with the reintroduced 100ml liquid limit and you’re looking to enhance passenger preparation to maintain efficient throughput, we’re here to help. Our team specializes in optimizing security lane operations and can provide tailored solutions to ensure your passengers are well-prepared before they reach the screening area. Contact us today at info@bavelconsulting.com to discuss your passenger preparation needs and explore how we can assist in streamlining your security processes.