Lithuanian travellers hoping for relaxed airport security rules on carrying liquids and electronics will have to wait, despite the country’s readiness to implement the changes. The European Commission has yet to authorise the use of new screening technologies due to ongoing safety concerns.
Lithuania’s airports have already installed next-generation security scanners that would allow passengers to leave liquids and electronic devices inside their carry-on luggage during security checks. These upgrades, tested at Kaunas Airport, are designed to eliminate the 100-millilitre limit for liquids, a rule in place since the early 2000s.
However, the European Commission (EC) imposed a temporary ban on the full rollout of these systems across EU member states following concerns about the scanners’ ability to accurately screen containers larger than 330 millilitres. These issues were raised in a technical report presented during a European Civil Aviation Conference.
As a result, despite preparations and infrastructure upgrades in Lithuania, all passengers must continue to follow current EU regulations: liquids must be in containers no larger than 100 millilitres, with a total volume under one litre. These must be packed in a resealable plastic bag and removed from luggage during security checks, along with electronic devices.
Lithuanian Airports spokesperson Tadas Vasiliauskas told LRT.lt that recent developments in the United Kingdom offer some hope. UK authorities have approved updated algorithms for the new screening systems, potentially paving the way for relaxed rules – though only in UK airports for now.
“In this context, there is a chance that a similar decision could be adopted for European airports relatively soon,” Vasiliauskas said. “However, the entire airport sector is still waiting for a final decision from the European Commission. No specific dates have been set.”
The changes would not only enhance security but also streamline the screening process, potentially reducing wait times at checkpoints.
Back in 2023, Vidas Kšanas, director of the Safety and Security Department at Lithuanian Airports, confirmed that similar systems would be introduced at Vilnius Airport once its new terminal opens.
The EC’s temporary restrictions on the technology, imposed on July 31, 2023, will remain in effect until the technical shortcomings are resolved.
For now, travellers flying in and out of Lithuania – and much of the European Union – will continue to abide by the familiar rules that have been in place for two decades.
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