Editorial

PM demands all UK airports install 3D scanners by end of 2022

“By making journeys through UK airports easier than ever, this new equipment will help boost the vital role our airports play in securing the UK’s position as a global hub for trade, tourism and investment” – Johnson

Posted 4 September 2019 by Gary Flood


All major British airports need to have 3D scanning technology by the start of December 2022, the Department of Transport has mandated.

‘Passport stage with stamps’ by Jason Smart on Flickr

The decision comes after preliminary results of a trial of the technology at Heathrow, with the government now persuaded that it’s an ideal way to provide security staff with clear, three-dimensional images of the contents of people’s bags, allowing for speedier security scanning.

It could also mean that travellers need no longer remove liquids and electronic items for separate scanning, and may potentially allow for the 100ml limit on liquids initiated in November 2006 to be lifted – which if true would warrant street party celebrations on Queen’s Jubilee levels.

Commenting on the decision, Prime Minister Boris Johnson noted that, “We are home to the largest aviation network in Europe, with millions of people passing through our airports every year for work, holidays and family visits.

“We’re set to streamline those trips with the roll-out of this ground-breaking technology – cutting down hassle for travellers and improving security measures.

“By making journeys through UK airports easier than ever, this new equipment will help boost the vital role our airports play in securing the UK’s position as a global hub for trade, tourism and investment.”