Home » AIRLINE NEWS » How Dublin Airport’s New Liquids Policy Enhances Travel for Passengers to Ireland, Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on
September 19, 2025

The Dublin airport has changed its standard operating rules and has lifted the 100-ounce liquid restrictions which have been in place since 2006. The new policy allows passengers to have in their possession LAGs, liquid aerosol and gels, in containers with a capacity less than 2 liters which they can store in their hand luggage. This has changed the security procedures in a most fundamental manner. Now, passengers do not have to comply with the 100ml regulation or ‘pack’ LAGs to be cleared for takeoff. Instead, they can carry their LAGs in hand luggage and store them in the 2 liters containers permitted.

It is hoped Dublin airport will benefit from the new policies and will be able to better facilitate the over a million passengers each year. This is the second policy change since the new computed scanners have been put in place. This is a key area of focus for the airports, managing the balance between relaxing restrictions and ensuring the safety and security equilibrium is not disturbed.

New Technology Brings More Convenience to Dublin Passengers

Dublin Airport’s adoption of CT scanning technology is at the heart of this change. These scanners use the same technology found in medical devices, allowing for a detailed analysis of the contents inside passengers’ bags. The technology works by detecting the molecular structure of items, instantly identifying any potential threats and providing security officers with a three-dimensional image for review.

The introduction of these cutting-edge scanners has enhanced the airport’s ability to screen baggage effectively, while also reducing the time passengers spend in security lines. According to Kenny Jacobs, the Chief Executive of the Dublin Airport Authority, Dublin is one of the first airports of its size in Europe to have this technology in place for all passengers. This system has proven successful, processing 24 out of 25 passengers through security within just 20 minutes during peak times.

By integrating this advanced technology, Dublin Airport has improved both its operational efficiency and overall passenger experience, contributing to the growing trend of digitally enhanced airports that are shaping the future of air travel.

Impact on Passengers: Streamlined Security and More Convenience

The relaxing of the 100ml liquids rule will have a notable impact on passengers, particularly those flying internationally or with limited time at the airport. Travelers will now have greater freedom to carry larger containers of liquids, aerosols, and gels in their hand luggage, which is especially beneficial for longer flights or passengers who prefer to pack their essential items in their cabin bags rather than checked luggage.

For frequent flyers or those traveling for business, this change will provide a smoother and more efficient security process, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their journey. This update is particularly helpful for passengers carrying items such as water bottles, skincare products, or other necessities that previously had to be confined to small containers.

The move also aligns with growing trends in airport technology and the push toward reducing friction in the passenger experience. Many travelers have expressed frustration with the cumbersome nature of the 100ml liquids rule, especially for those traveling with young children or medical supplies. Dublin Airport’s decision to relax these rules will likely be seen as a significant step forward in the evolution of air travel.

Dublin’s Busy Traffic: Handling High Volumes with Improved Security

Dublin Airport is the 13th busiest airport in Europe and handles an average of 27,000 passengers daily on routes to and from Great Britain. The airport’s proximity to major European hubs and its strategic location as a primary gateway for travelers flying between the UK and Ireland makes it a vital part of the continent’s air travel infrastructure. In 2024 alone, 9.76 million passengers flew across the Irish Sea between Dublin and Britain, with an average of 91 daily flights operating between London Heathrow and Dublin. This makes the London-Dublin route the busiest city pair in Europe.

Given the high volume of passengers, Dublin Airport’s enhanced security measures will help improve flow and reduce bottlenecks, especially during busy travel periods. This will make the airport a more attractive and efficient hub for both international travelers and business commuters. As Dublin continues to grow as a popular transit point, its new security measures will help future-proof the airport’s operations against rising passenger numbers.

International Comparisons: Dublin Leads the Way in Europe

While the 100ml liquids rule has been gradually relaxed at some airports, Dublin is among the first major European airports to implement this change. The UK has seen similar attempts at relaxing the rule, but concerns about the reliability of new technology led to its reimposition at some airports, including Heathrow. Airports like Birmingham and Edinburgh have also embraced this change, but it remains to be seen whether other UK airports will follow suit on a wider scale.

In contrast, airports across the United States and Europe are still in the process of adopting or testing this technology. While some have made strides toward relaxing the liquids rule, the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) has expressed concerns about the consistency of the new systems. As a result, some airports must apply for specific permissions before being allowed to relax the 100ml rule.

However, the success of Dublin’s approach and the smooth implementation of CT scanner technology could set a precedent for other airports looking to modernize their security protocols and reduce the friction that many travelers face at security checks.

Benefits for Tourists and the Broader Travel Industry

The new security measures at Dublin Airport will not only benefit frequent flyers but will also make travel easier and more convenient for tourists visiting the Irish capital. With the increase in international tourists, particularly those flying from the UK, Dublin’s growing reputation as a modern, passenger-friendly airport could drive more people to choose it as their preferred gateway to Europe.

Tourists traveling to Dublin will appreciate the improved efficiency and the ability to carry essential items without the restrictions imposed by the 100ml rule. This could have positive implications for the city’s tourism sector, particularly as Ireland remains a top destination for international travelers seeking cultural experiences, scenic beauty, and historical sites.

Potential for Global Impact: What’s Next for Airport Security?

Dublin’s decision to relax the 100ml liquids rule is part of a broader trend toward improving the airport experience through technological advancements. With more airports adopting CT scanners and other cutting-edge technologies, we can expect to see a growing shift toward more relaxed and streamlined security measures globally.

As other airports follow Dublin’s lead, the experience of air travel could change dramatically. Reduced security lines, quicker processing times, and greater convenience for passengers could lead to a future where air travel is more accessible, less stressful, and more efficient.

Dublin Airport’s Bold Move Towards Passenger-Friendly Security

The use of CT technology at Dublin Airport has been a breakthrough in enhancing traveler convenience at the airport as witnessed by the relaxation of the 100ml rules for liquid containers. The airport’s decision to to allow thicker and more containers and dispense with the plastic bag rule is an improvement in convenience as well as the processing efficiency for millions of travelers. Dublin is one of Europe’s busiest airports which makes Dublin well positioned as a trend setter for other airports in the fast changing world of air travel.