Bristol Airport invests £11.5 million in security scanners

Bristol Airport has invested £11.5 million in next generation security scanners, enabling all customers travelling through security the ability to keep mobile phones, laptops and liquids in their hand luggage. All passengers flying from Bristol Airport from 14 June 2024 will benefit from the new enhanced technology and processes.

Passengers will no longer have to restrict toiletries and liquids to 100ml bottles and will be able to leave laptops, tablets and mobile phones in their hand luggage, as they pass through security screening.  Due to outstanding regulatory approval, which is beyond Bristol Airport’s control, only liquids up to 330ml can be carried.

New security regulations:

• Keep all items in hand luggage bag including liquids up to 330ml (max. size)
• Mobile phones, electrical items and laptops to remain in bag
• Empty pockets into bag
• Contents of metal water bottles will need to be emptied

Graeme Gamble, Chief Operating Officer, Bristol Airport said:

“We are delighted all customers travelling from Bristol Airport will benefit from state-of-the-art technology being introduced at security.  The new equipment will reduce customer stress and inconvenience as the need for 100ml liquids to be placed in clear, plastic bags and removed from hand baggage will no longer be required. The new process delivers a much more customer friendly security operation using the latest technology and providing enhanced screening, allowing customers to keep personal items in their hand luggage.

“We’ve invested over £11.5m in the security equipment enhancements, and as with all complex and large-scale projects in a 24 hours, 7 day a week operation, we needed to have a phased approach to the introduction of the new equipment and processes.  However, customers should be reminded there are no immediate changes to the rules governing what can be taken through security as a result of this initiative, and the current hand luggage restrictions remain in place until 14 June 2024.

“For customers who have booked Fast Track security, from 14 June until 31 July we are upgrading the Fast Track security channels.  Bookings will be unaffected, and the Fast Track Security priority service will operate through a dedicated lane in the Central Search area.  Customers will easily be able to identify the Fast Track lane through the additional signage and the security team will be on hand to assist.

“Customers are reminded that whilst the UK has introduced the new security regulations on their return from destination airports customers are advised to check the requirements of their departing airport, as these regulations may differ from the UK.”

Bristol Airport is investing over £400m in customer enhancements over the next five years, including a new public transport interchange, additional multi-storey car park, new retail and catering areas and other customer improvements.