UK airports facing challenges in meeting the June 2024 deadline for the installation of new security scanners have been granted extensions, a move that aims to modernize and streamline passenger security checks while maintaining high safety standards. These advanced scanners are designed to detect prohibited items with greater accuracy, thereby enhancing the efficiency of security staff and significantly improving the passenger experience by eliminating the need to remove items from hand luggage and lifting the current 100ml limit on liquids.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper highlighted the importance of this technological advancement, stating, «These cutting-edge scanners will make air travel safer and easier for passengers by strengthening security even further.» Harper also emphasized the UK’s global leadership in rolling out this technology and the necessity of providing additional time for certain airports to complete their installations.
Despite these extensions, the government is also preparing to introduce financial penalties for airports that fail to meet the revised deadlines. This approach aims to ensure compliance and uphold the UK’s position at the vanguard of adopting next-generation security technologies.
The decision to extend deadlines comes in the wake of various challenges, including the global supply chain issues stemming from the pandemic’s aftermath, which have hindered the ability of some airports to upgrade their security systems on time. The logistical hurdles of installing new, heavy equipment and, in some instances, the need to construct entirely new screening halls have also contributed to the delays.
Karen Dee, Chief Executive of the Airport Operators Association, acknowledged the progress being made despite these obstacles, stating, «Airports are making excellent progress in delivering these multimillion-pound investment programmes.» Dee also expressed gratitude for the government’s recognition of the complexities involved in this massive undertaking and its willingness to adjust the timeframes accordingly.
Echoing the sentiment on the importance of this transition for passenger experience, Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, remarked, «Delivering these changes throughout all UK airports will be key to improving airline passengers’ experience.»
The extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis, so passengers are reminded to stay informed about the security requirements at their departure airports, especially during the upcoming holiday periods.
According to the Daily Mirror, London City Airport was the first to complete the installation of the new scanners last year, with Heathrow to follow over the summer and Gatwick only in March next year, as well as Manchester, East Midlands and Stansted airports.
