European Commission abandons plans to end LAG restrictions in air travel in 2013

European Commission (EC) adopted (18-Jul-2012) its assessment on the screening of liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) at EU airports and noted its assessment "indicates that the removal of the LAG restrictions on April 2013, as currently envisaged in EU law, could present a considerable operational risk mainly due to the scale of the change". The EC added, "The risk posed by liquid explosives to civil aviation is still significant and Liquid Explosive Detection Systems manufacturers have made considerable progress in recent years to develop instruments which can adequately address this risk". As a result, EC said a phased approach will be necessary to introduce the screening of LAGs. From Jan-2014, the EC recommends passengers should be able to carry on board all duty free LAGs provided they are screened. The EC added it would take fresh legislative proposals back to member states in the autumn. [more - original PR]