The UK is moving towards lifting security restrictions on carrying liquids and laptops in carry-on bags at airports starting in 2024 thanks to the deployment of high-tech 3D scanners.

The British newspaper The Guardian said that the government is considering introducing advanced technology, similar to the CT scanners used in hospitals, within two years, although the final decision has not yet been made.

Currently, restrictions do not allow passengers to take liquids in their carry-on bags on the plane except in containers up to 100 ml, and they must be placed in a single transparent, resealable plastic bag when passing through airport security. These rules have been in effect since November 2006.

The Times newspaper also mentioned that major British airports have been given a deadline in mid-2024 to install more advanced scanners, and ministers are reviewing the matter and an official announcement is expected in the coming weeks.

One of the biggest reasons for delays at airport security is passengers not removing prohibited items from their bags, or traveling with large bottles of liquids and creams, but the new technology, which has been tested at Heathrow Airport in London since 2017, will enable staff to enlarge bag contents and rotate images for inspection.

The CEO of Heathrow Airport, John Holland-Kaye, told The Times about this technology: "We have started to roll it out slowly," adding: "We have just begun expanding the security zone in Terminal 3, which will have more CT scanners, with a deadline for installation in mid-2024 from [the Department of Transport]. By then, the normal passenger experience will be the liquids remaining in the bags."

Meanwhile, Transport Secretary Mark Harper said that the rules for carrying liquids in carry-on bags are "under review." Harper told Sky News that this news comes "against the backdrop of some comments from the head of one of the airports. But our usual practice in security matters is that we do not comment on security issues. I think this is very important."

He added: "I am now responsible for setting the security system for our aviation sector, so if there are any upcoming changes, we will communicate them to people in due time."

He continued: "But at the moment, the system is as it is with strict restrictions on the liquids allowed for people to take on board planes," and this technology has already been used at US airports such as Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, Georgia, and O'Hare in Chicago for several years.