Passengers can now keep liquids in luggage

New technology means passengers at Cardiff Airport will now be able to leave electronics and liquids under 100ml in their hand luggage as they pass through security.

The Next Generation Security scanners are now fully operational at the site, the airport confirmed, following cost-related delays which saw it fail to meet the UK government’s initial 1 June deadline.

Cardiff is one of several airports which applied for an extension to allow it to install the scanners.

The Welsh government, as the sole investor in the airport, previously said it would allocate £6.6m “to address the cost challenges” of bringing in the new equipment.

Passengers previously travelling through the airport’s security were required to carry liquids, aerosols and gels in containers up to 100ml in a one-litre transparent bag and take them out of their carry-on luggage.

But now these items can be kept inside bags and cases, which the airport believes will improve efficiency.

Its chief executive, Spencer Birns, said: “This state-of-the-art facility is a significant investment for the growth and future development of our National Airport.”

He added “safety and security is our number one priority”.