Travellers flying from one major UK airport can soon expect a huge change – it will alter the way in which passengers go through security screenings at the travel hub

New high tech security scanners have been installed at London Gatwick Airport ahead of the Easter holidays, with a warning issued about luggage at the travel hub.

The new security scanners mean passengers no longer need to remove electrical items such as laptops, or place liquids in plastic bags, as the multi-million-pound technology is set to transform the airport’s security screening process. It enhances the security accuracy for airport security staff with 3D technology. The computed tomography (CT) scanners are part of a Government initiative that aims to simplify and streamline the security process “while maintaining the highest safety standards”.

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Sustainability is also enhanced as there is no longer a need for plastic bags for liquids. Passengers heading through Gatwick will now be allowed to leave all their liquids such as shampoo or hand sanitiser in their luggage, in addition to laptops and other electrical items. Liquids can measure up to 100ml in volume.

According to Travel Weekly, Gatwick head of security Cyrus Dana said: “More than 95 per cent of passengers already pass through security at London Gatwick in under five minutes. This is a positive change, with the scanners allowing our passengers to travel through the airport with more ease.

“As we continue to grow, our top priority is the safety of our passengers and the security of the airport. This cutting-edge technology ensures a safe and robust experience for our passengers.

“We pride ourselves on providing a great passenger experience and as we head into a busy summer season we look forward to continuing to deliver that service.”

Previously, passengers carrying any liquids, aerosols and gels in containers up to 100ml would have to remove them from their hand luggage, place them inside a one-litre transparent bag and take them out of their carry-on.

Gatwick Airport will join a handful of other airports in the UK that have successfully installed the CT technology including Cardiff, Teesside, London City, Birmingham and Newcastle airports.

In June of last year, the UK’s Department for Transport made a U-turn which saw air passengers no longer able to carry any liquids over 100ml in their hand luggage. This meant that several airports had to revert to previous restrictions.

The DfT said it was a temporary measure “to enable further improvements to be made to the new checkpoint systems”.

The new scanning equipment, which is also known as Explosive Detection Systems for Cabin Baggage (EDSCB), is being introduced to scan hand luggage more efficiently in 3D and allows passengers to bring larger quantities of liquids through security, which can remain in luggage for screening, as well as their electrical devices.

If passengers wish to take more than 100ml containers of liquids, gels or aerosols they will need to be in their hold luggage.