Valean: “No revocations, 100 ml rule remains for air travelers”

Brussels – Warning to travellers, “The Commission does not plan to lift restrictions on liquids.” Message from Adina Valean, Commissioner for Transport, not inclined to change the rules for air travel. Airport-bound people of Europe will have to continue to be careful about what they put in their carry-on luggage and remember not to carry water bottles and creams over 100 ml. The travel rules introduced in 2006 in response to terrorist threats will remain in place, at least in EU airports that have not been equipped with the new generation of screening and security equipment.

Valean is clear and definite: safety first. Stefania Zambelli (FI/PPE), before leaving the European Parliament, filed a parliamentary question in which she recalls that the restrictions on liquids with the 100 ml limit were introduced as a temporary measure, but “today, 18 years later, it is important to question whether this measure should be reviewed.” A question to which Brussels responds with a closure. “Liquid explosives continue to pose a threat to civil aviation,” Valean clarifies in his response. “Security measures to counter this threat should therefore be maintained.”

Therefore, the 100 ml limit for air travellers remains, at least until the Union’s airports are all state-of-the-art. That means next-generation scanners, which are being worked on. “The Commission is working with member states and airports to introduce innovative technologies in EU airports,” assures the Transport Commissioner. It will be up to the new EU executive to continue and complete the work. In the meantime, air travel, whether for business or pleasure, will continue to involve the appropriate precautions for water and all things liquid. The return to normalcy can wait.