Dublin Airport scraps 100ml liquid rule as new scanners transform security checks
Departing passengers may now carry up to two litres in their hand luggage, and liquids and gels no longer need to be packed in clear plastic bags. Picture: iStock
From midnight tonight, passengers at Dublin Airport will no longer need to remove liquids, gels, or electronics from their hand luggage at security in either terminal.
Additionally, the old 100ml liquid rule will also be relaxed.
Departing passengers may now carry up to two litres in their hand luggage, and liquids and gels no longer need to be packed in clear plastic bags.
The change follows a multi-million-euro upgrade by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) in scanning technology used to screen passengers and hand luggage.
Around 30 new C3 scanners and body scanners have been rolled out across the airport’s two terminals, making Dublin Airport one of the first in Europe to fully adopt C3 technology.
The new scanners use CT-style technology, generating 3D images of bags to make it easier to detect contents.
In addition, three scanners have been installed in a new secondary screening area on the mezzanine level in Terminal 1.
This area will open daily from 4am until mid-afternoon and will eventually become a new dedicated Fast Track facility, while all other T1 passengers will continue through regular security downstairs.
However, while Dublin Airport is now fully C3 operational, many airports in the UK and Europe are not. Passengers returning to Dublin are advised to check liquid rules at their departure airport.
Commenting on the new rules, Dublin Airport managing director Gary McLean said: “This is a very positive and welcome development for passengers and staff.
"The new C3 scanners are best in class in terms of security detection standards and they significantly enhance the passenger experience, permitting passengers to leave all liquids and laptops inside their cabin bags with the systems working like CT scanners in hospitals to generate 3D images of bags.
"This investment puts Dublin Airport on a par with the best airports in the world when it comes to having the best and most efficient scanning technology available.
“Passengers have long looked forward to the day the 100ml rule would be gone — and today is that day, " added Mr McLean.
DAA CEO Kenny Jacobs said Cork Airport “won’t be far behind.”
Work begins this month on a new mezzanine floor extending over the existing Arrivals concourse to house a larger passenger security area, which will also feature C3 scanners.
"This marks the first phase of a €200m capital investment by DAA in Cork Airport to make it even better for passengers," Mr Jacobs said.
- Liquids, gels, and electronics can stay in hand luggage during security screening.
- The 100ml limit is gone; items up to two litres are now allowed.
- Liquids and gels no longer need to be packed in clear plastic bags.
- Belts, footwear above the ankle, jackets, hoodies, and oversized jumpers must still be removed for screening.
- Passengers must continue to empty their pockets, including keys, wallets, and phones.
