The regulations whereby air passengers cannot take liquids in hand luggage look set to stay in place for the foreseeable future, after the European Commission rejected a call for a review.
At the current time, passengers are prevented from taking liquids (which includes gels and cosmetics) exceeding 100ml with them on board, and must carry smaller containers of liquids in a transparent plastic bag.
The European Parliament had previously adopted a resolution to call on the EC to consider removing the ban, claiming that the security benefits were outweighed by the cost.
However, EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot rejected the review, saying that “Europe must not show any sign of weakness” in the fight against terrorism.
“It must not lower its guard but on the contrary reinforce its vigilance and maintain the full range of prevention instruments it has adopted,” he said.
The new security measures, which also prevent passengers from taking on board more than one item of hand luggage, have left holidaymakers feeling confused, according to Conservative MEP Timothy Kirkhope.
