Liquids ban remains in force at key european airports

Those planning a visit to their European holiday home this summer can rest easy where flight safety is concerned - but they'll have to keep being wary of what they purchase at food outlets and duty-free stores. The UK, France and Italy will delay the relaxation of liquid restrictions proposed by the EU this month, citing a lack of security screening technology required to protect European holidaymakers.

The EU deadline for lifting of the stringent liquid restrictions that have been in place since 9/11 was due to be April 29 - a handy date for those jetting into London at the last minute for the royal wedding, and perhaps purchasing a celebratory bottle of champagne or two on the way through. However, whilst the UK is implementing its own new restrictions to replace those of the EU, France and Italy have notified the European Commission of their intent to ignore the deadline, meaning those flying into the Eurozone through any airport in these three countries will still face heavy restrictions.

UK transport secretary Phillip Hammond said the new restrictions his government was planning on putting in would ensure the safety of passengers travelling into the EU from Britain after the deadline had passed. "The EU regulation will still come into force, but because of current security conditions, we are imposing stricter measures that mean effectively there will be no Change." 

The relaxation in restrictions would have meant that those on long-haul flights coming into the EU or UK and connecting onto another flight would have been able to carry liquids over 100ml onto their next flight, meaning large bottles of water, perfume or alcohol would not have to be left behind when passengers went through security. However, with France, Italy and the UK bowing out of the relaxation deadline, the only major airport in which passengers may still be able to do this is Frankfurt in Germany. 

Airport officials cited the lack of progress in X-ray technology as the chief reason for delaying the deadline, saying their respective manufacturing companies have not yet come up with the proper technology needed to ensure there are no liquid explosives present in passengers' luggage. "Airports have always supported a lifting of the ban for the benefit of our passengers to ensure they have a positive experience while travelling", chief executive of the British Airport Operators' Association, Darren Caplan, told the Guardian. "But only when appropriate technology has been developed and properly tested."