Dublin Airport passengers face temporary security changes on liquids amid scanner rollout

Departing passengers must be prepared to remove all liquids, aerosols and gels from hand luggage prior to screening

Departing passengers at Dublin Airport must be prepared to remove all liquids from hand luggage prior to screening. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin

Temporary changes to airport regulations on the carrying of liquids in hand luggage will come into force at Dublin Airport from this Sunday.

The changes mean that all departing passengers must be prepared to remove all liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) from their hand luggage before screening, with all LAGs to be under 100ml.

In Terminal 1, all liquids must be under 100ml, put into a clear one-litre bag (20cm x 20cm) and placed visibly within the security tray. Each passenger is limited to a single one-litre bag only. Large electrical items such as laptops and tablets should be removed from bags and placed in the security tray.

In Terminal 2, all liquids must be under 100ml, put into a clear bag(s), and placed visibly in the security tray. However, in Terminal 2 there is no limit on the number of bags or 100ml containers that a passenger can take through, while all electrical items can be left in hand luggage.

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Baby food/milk, medicines or special dietary requirements needed during the flight remain exempt from this temporary rule at all EU airports including Dublin Airport. These can be in containers over 100ml but must be taken out of your carry-on bag and presented separately for screening.

Gary McLean, Dublin Airport managing director Gary McLean said the changes apply to all airports in Ireland and Europe with C3 scanners, the roll-out of which is ongoing at Dublin Airport.

C3 scanners allow 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.

“That roll-out is at different stages in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which means the guidance for passengers is slightly different depending on what terminal they are departing from,” he said.

“In Terminal 2, all of the security lanes in operation are now fitted with new C3 scanners, so all passengers are assured of using a C3 scanner. However, in Terminal 1, due to the age of the building, the roll-out is taking slightly longer, so it cannot be guaranteed whether a passenger will go through a lane with C3 scanners installed or the older technology. As previously communicated, the roll-out of C3 scanners across both terminals is on track for completion by October 2025.”

Mr McLean added that Dublin Airport hoped the temporary restrictions would only be in place for a short period and that the EU will be able to lift them “as soon as possible”.

“Passengers should keep an eye on our social media channels and website for further updates,” he said.

Sarah Burns

Sarah Burns

Sarah Burns is a reporter for The Irish Times