Scanning trials at Oz airports could end liquid ban

MELBOURNE - The latest airport security technology being trialled at Australian airports could open the door for passengers to bring oversized liquid containers onboard international flights again.

The trial will start at Sydney’s Kingsford-Smith Airport from next Monday and at Melbourne Airport from Wednesday, reports News.com.au.

Authorities are using two advanced multi-view explosive detection x-ray machines and a number of bottled liquid scanners to detect explosive material disguised in, for example, a bottle of water or shampoo.

The trials, in conjunction with the US and the UK, are an important step toward the potential lifting of the current restrictions on the carrying of liquid, aerosols and gels, Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said.

At present, passengers must declare all such items for inspection before boarding an international flight and are restricted in the amount they can carry on.

Every month, about 1250 duty-free items, such as perfume and alcohol, and about 8,000 non-valuable items, such as water bottles, are surrendered to the screening staff at Sydney’s international airport. (ANI)