Highlands and Islands Airports (HIAL) has confirmed that departing passengers will benefit from relaxed rules at security screening from next month.
The group has been upgrading to new generation C2+ level screening equipment at its airports, meaning that from 1 June passengers will be able to take liquids in containers up to two litres in their hand luggage, and will be able to leave electronic devices in bags during screening.
In addition HIAL has invested in new body scanners “to enhance the security experience” at its Benbecula, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway and Sumburgh.
HIAL operates 11 airports across the region, and said that the total investment for the introduction of new security equipment was around £1 million.
Last month Aberdeen International Airport became the latest UK facility to relax rules on liquids in hand luggage.
While several UK airports including London City have now installed new scanning equipment, the work is still ongoing at others.
The Department for Transport recently granted extensions to some airports, effectively abandoning the previous June 2024 deadline.
Commenting on the news Darren MacLeod, director of safety, compliance and security at HIAL, said:
“Our security procedures are a necessary requirement to ensure the safety of all. The introduction of this new equipment will further improve safety but should also mean a simpler and more straightforward security process for passengers.
“We advise all passengers to check the guidance for individual airports and to allow more time to pass through security this summer. All security teams are completing training to ensure that the transition is handled smoothly, and staff will be on hand at airports to assist passengers with the new process.”
