Scanners to detect liquid explosives at airports

The restrictions that brought UK airports to a hault regarding the amount of liquid one individual could take onto a plane could be relaxed within the next 12 months, as specialist x-ray machines are being trialled to test for liquid explosives at Newcastle Airport.

It was not just UK airports that suffered the liquid bans after a plot was foiled in Britain to blow up several transatlantic planes using liquids that would have been smuggled on board planes in soft drinks bottles. During the raids in High Wycombe and London many individuals were arrested but only three have been found guilty and are due for sentencing next week.

The machine would need to scan the barcode before going through the x-ray where it could then detect the difference between explosive liquids compared to others like water or orange juice. The bottle could be examined even with the seal not broken and no trace of the substance on the outside.

The 2006 arrests caused widespread panic through the aviation industry and extra precautions were implemented all over the world. Liquids were first not allowed on planes at all before it was relaxed slightly to let just 100ml per person and it had to be carried in a clear plastic bag. Extra security was drafted in at boarding gates where passengers had to again go through security procedures causing many flights to be delayed.