ABTA is encouraging holidaymakers to stick to existing rules for hand- luggage when travelling this summer.

Its advice follows the Government’s decision to extend the deadline for airports to introduce new 3D scanners, which will eventually mean an end to the 100ml liquid rule.

Most major airports, including Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester, had previously warned they won’t have all the new scanners installed by the original deadline of 1 June, so this has been extended to 2025.

ABTA said that, ‘given the lack of consistency across UK airports’, travellers should stick to the existing rules and travel with liquids in containers of no more than 100ml in their hand-luggage this summer.

Director of Public Affairs Luke Petherbridge said: “What travellers need now, as we head towards the peak months for overseas travel, is clarity about what to do when going through airport security.

“When fully implemented, the new airport scanners will make things faster and strengthen security. However, the recent extensions from the Government show that there is still some way to go before the new security rules are consistently in place across UK airports.

“With that in mind, our best advice is to prepare for your travels with the existing rules in mind. That way, you’ll be ready to comply whatever the scenario, avoiding any unnecessary delays through security and any difficulties when returning from your destination. 

“You can also check with your airport in advance – and we’d also recommend checking with your return airport too.”

So far, Birmingham is the only major airport that has confirmed it will lift the 100ml rule this summer, while London City and Teesside were the first to finish the installation of the new scanners.