The government has set a deadline of June 2024 for airports to install new security technology so hubs can scrap the 100ml rule on liquids in hand luggage.
It means passengers will be able to leave liquids and large electrical items in their cabin luggage as they pass through security checks.
The Department for Transport said the changes will make travel easier for passengers and enhance safety, as security staff will have more detailed images of what people are carrying.
The Government is laying new legislation on Thursday (December 15) which will make it easier to streamline the processes that apply to UK airports in the future.
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End of the line for airport hand luggage liquid restrictions?
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 then, passengers must continue following the existing rules and check before travelling.”
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.
This requirement will eventually be lifted, and the 100ml liquid container limit will be extended to two litres.
Airports have until June 2024 to upgrade screening equipment and processes.
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 new deadline follows several trials conducted at some airports since 2018, which have demonstrated the effectiveness of new screening equipment – which uses CT X-ray technology to provide a 3D image of items in passengers’ bags, as well as deploying advanced threat detection algorithms.
Airports such as Schiphol in Amsterdam and in the US are also making use of the technology.
The current liquids rules were introduced in 2006 following a terrorist threat.