Rules around taking liquids and laptops through airport security will begin changing next year reducing 'hassle' for passengers.

The government is giving airports until June 2024 to install new scanning technology that will eventually spell the end of the 100ml rule for liquids being passed through security.

Passengers are currently required to remove tablets, laptops and liquids from their cabin baggage, while liquids have been limited to 100ml and must be in a clear plastic bag.

Travellers leaving the UK will soon be able to leave their liquids in their cabin luggage, with limits possibly increased up to two litres, while large electrical items such as laptops won't need to be removed from bags at checkpoints.

Over the next two years most major airports, say the government, will introduce new systems at departure gates that will be more convenient for travellers. And rather than weakening airport security - the Department for Transport says checks will be more stringent as high-tech scanners will give security staff more detailed images of what people are carrying.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "The tiny toiletry has become a staple of airport security checkpoints, but that’s all set to change. I’m streamlining cabin bag rules at airports while enhancing security. By 2024, major airports across the UK will have the latest security tech installed, reducing queuing times, improving the passenger experience, and most importantly detecting potential threats.

"Of course, this won’t happen straight away – this is going to take two years to be fully implemented."

Until the changes are introduced by each UK airport, passengers must continue following any existing rules in place and check the latest restrictions with the airport they're flying from before setting off.

Travellers must also be aware that while the UK may be gradually changing its rules - their destination and subsequent return airport may have alternative restrictions they will also need to abide by when flying back home.

Christopher Snelling, policy director at The Airport Operators Association (AOA), added: "This investment in next-generation security by the UK’s airport operators will provide a great step forward for UK air travel, matching the best in class around the world.

"It will make the journey through the UK’s airports easier and air travel itself more pleasant."

The impending changes follow several trials conducted at some airports since 2018, which ministers say have 'demonstrated the effectiveness of this new screening equipment' that uses CT X-ray technology to provide a 3D image of what’s in passengers’ bags.