The European Commission is to restrict the amount of liquids allowed in hand luggage for air passengers, in a new security measure, Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot said on Wednesday.
”Following the incidents of this summer we have sought to introduce a response proportional to the needs of security,” Barrot told reporters in Brussels.
”We have decided to restrict the amount of liquid allowed in hand luggage,” he added, while ruling out a total ban.
British authorities announced last month that they had foiled an alleged plot to blow up United States-bound airliners using liquid explosives smuggled aboard in drinks or other containers
Maximum container sizes will be introduced under the new EU rules, allowing people to bring on board small shampoo and perfume bottles. Duty free airport purchases will be carried in sealed bags, Barrot added.
During a meeting last week on emergency measures after the alleged London plot, aviation security experts from the 25 EU member nations agreed on the need for a ”common response” to the new threat of liquid explosives. — AFP
