The UK’s Department for Transport has extended the deadline for the country’s airports to install high-tech 3D security scanners by up to 12 months.
The new scanners will allow passengers to carry liquids and keep their laptops in their bags while going through security without having to remove either, speeding up this process considerably.
The original deadline for the scanners was June 1 this year, but the government acknowledged the challenges that airports were experiencing in installing the new technology. The delay is due to the ongoing recovery of the global supply chain and logistical challenges involved with completing extensive construction work to install the heavy equipment in busy airports.
“Some airports have been required to construct entirely new screening halls,” said the department.
“The UK is leading the world with its roll-out of this technology, but it’s important we give those airports yet to meet the deadline a second chance to get the job done,” said Mark Harper, Transport Secretary.
Extensions will be granted on a case-by-case basis. The government will also add strict financial penalties to airports that continue to fail to meet the new deadline.
