Passengers at the Finnish airport of Finavia will soon be able to carry containers of more than 100 millilitres in their hand baggage, as the airport management company has announced that it will improve the security control process at Helsinki airport and increase the amount of liquids allowed.
In a press release, the company revealed that this change was possible thanks to the new technology based on computer tomography, eliminating the need to remove liquids and electronics from bags during screening checkpoints, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
The first phase of introducing the change was completed in the summer of 2022, and a new security control with eight advanced utilising computer tomography scanners was launched.
The second phase was completed this June and it involved the opening of two additional lines, taking the total number of operational security control lines to ten.
Current liquid restrictions are still in place for passengers departing from regional airports and those passing through the security checkpoint at Helsinki Airport. The new equipment and liquid allowance will apply only to the security control in the departures at the country’s biggest airport.
The new changes make Helsinki Aiport one of the fewest hubs in Europe as well as the United States to enable travellers of such benefits but it is essential for travellers to be well informed that security control procedures can change based on the stages of their journey and they should comply with the specific instructions as advised by each airport.
Liquids that are permitted at a European airport include water and other drinks such as soups and syrups, in addition to hygienic products such as creams, lotions, oils, perfumes as well as sprays.
Gels, shaving foams, deodorants, toothpaste, mascara and other items of similar consistency are also considered liquids. These liquids have to be packed in individual containers of 100 millilitres each, on maximum and also transparent, re-sealable plastic containers and the maximum capacity carried out per passenger is up to two litres.
The implementation of allowing liquids of up to two litres to be carried out during flying will enable much faster screening and travelling experiences. The maximum caps on liquids and electronic devices carried out were introduced due to security concerns more than 15 years ago as concerns for terrorist attacks were growing.
The London City (LCY) was the first UK transport to apply these changes, while, reportedly, this had a significant impact on the London Heathrow Airport as the pressure on the baggage system was seriously heavy.