Security rules eased for passengers

Passengers travelling through Dublin Airport no longer need to take liquids, gels or electronics out of their hand luggage at security in either terminal.

The airport, which introduced the new rules on Friday, is also scrapping the 100ml maximum limit on liquids and gels.

There is now no limit on the number of liquids and gels that can be carried in hand luggage, passengers can carry items of up to two litres and items no longer need to be packed inside clear plastic bags.

The change in rules is due to a multi-million euros upgrade in scanning technology, which is used to screen departing passengers and their hand luggage.

About 30 new C3 scanners and body scanners have been installed in the two terminals at the airport.

The scanners will use similar technology to the CT scanners in hospitals, generating 3D images of bags, which make it easier to detect what is inside.

The conversion operation has been completed ahead of the airport authority’s own target of October 2025 and ahead of the regulatory deadline of 31December 2025.

A further three scanners have been installed in a new screening area in Terminal 1 which will become home to a dedicated fast-track facility.

Gary McLean, managing director of Dublin Airport, said the new new technology is “a very positive and welcome development for passengers and staff”.

“Passengers have been looking forward to the day when the 100ml rule would be gone for good – and today is that day,” he added.

• Items such as belts, footwear which extends over the ankle, jackets, hoodies and oversized jumpers and cardigans must be removed and placed in the security tray
• Passengers must continue to remove all items from their pockets, including keys, wallets and phones
• Sharp objects over six centimetres are not allowed in carry-on baggage

Further advice on the rules around Dublin Airport security is available here.

Dublin Airport said it is one of the first airports in Europe to fully switch to C3 technology.

Cork Airport “won’t be far behind”, according to Dublin Airport Authority Chief Executive Kenny Jacobs.

“While Dublin Airport is now fully C3 operational, other airports in the UK and Europe are not as advanced. Therefore, passengers booked to return to Dublin are encouraged to check the liquid rules at the airport from which they are flying back from,” he added.

Earlier this year there were also security changes at Belfast International Airport as part of a £100m redevelopment.

This first investment, which cost £25m, included a new security hall and duty free area, as well as a new forecourt outside the front of the building.

Airports around the UK are at different stages of putting technology in place to relax the 100ml liquid rule, and the transport secretary warned passengers in July to assume the rule was still in place.

“You should work on the basis that it is 100ml at the moment unless you have heard from your airport otherwise,” Heidi Alexander told Times Radio.

The new scanning machines are heavy and some airports have had to reinforce floors to install them. Meanwhile, there are only a handful of manufacturers that make the scanners resulting in restricted supplies and delays to installation.

In 2024, the European Union had to revert back to 100ml rules because of a technical issue with new equipment.

The 100ml onboard liquid rule was introduced in 2006 as part of enhanced security measures following a series of terror-related incidents after two planes flew into the World Trade Centre’s Twin Towers in New York on 11 September, 2001.