Budapest Airport to abolish a tiresome restriction: it concerns everybody

Like many other European airports, Budapest Airport has already tested CT equipment that allows larger quantities of liquids to be brought on board. The new system could be ready for deployment at Terminal 1 in two years’ time. This step would significantly facilitate air travel from Budapest Airport.

Budapest Airport to abolish liquid quantity limit

Liquid restrictions at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport may be abolished in the foreseeable future, according to information sent to 24.hu by Budapest Airport.

The portal’s question to Budapest Airport came after Milan-Linate Airport, Rome-Fiumicino international airport and London-City airport, among others, have announced that they will lift restrictions on liquids in cabin baggage. Madrid-Barajas airport is planning a similar move in late 2023-early 2024.

A tiresome restriction

Currently, in most airports around the world, passengers are allowed to carry liquids or gels in maximum 100 ml containers, which must be placed in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre. In many cases, this causes inconvenience for passengers, as they are often made to throw away any liquids left in their baggage that exceed the permitted quantity. It also slows down the check-in process.

Why is the restriction in place?

According to Budapest Airport, as with all security-related measures, the restriction on the amount of liquids allowed on board is justified by flight safety and full compliance with EU regulations.

Fluid restriction was introduced worldwide almost two decades ago, 24.hu writes. Many people mistakenly believe that the drastic restrictions were prompted by the terrorist attacks in the US on 11 September 2001, but in fact a thwarted terrorist attack in 2006 was the reason for the change.

The thwarted terrorist attack in 2006

That was when plotters attempted to smuggle liquid explosives (peroxide) in soda bottles onto passenger flights from the UK to the US and Canada. In total, they planned to blow up ten planes. A months-long joint covert counter-terrorism operation between the police and British intelligence agencies exposed the conspiracy and dismantled the entire network.

The 10×100 ml limit, which is also in force at Budapest Aairport, can be waived if the airport installs cabin baggage screening CT equipment that allows for the effective screening of liquids above this limit.

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