The All-Russian Passenger Association has urged the Ministry of Transport to reconsider the current ban on carrying liquids in containers larger than 100 milliliters aboard. This development was reported by Kommersant and discussed within industry circles about possible adjustments to security rules that affect everyday travel.
Officials from the agency noted they regularly receive legitimate concerns from travelers about these rules and have signaled openness to weighing their mitigation or removal. The dialogue reflects growing pressure from passengers who feel the limits may be overly conservative or outdated in light of modern screening capabilities.
The association’s president, Ilya Zotov, authorized sending the formal letter to the department. He stressed that any changes should undergo thorough discussion with the broader expert community. He added that some corresponding revisions are already being explored at airports in the United Kingdom, though there is cautious hesitation among policymakers about altering the framework in Russia.
The organization’s letter recalls the security measures adopted after the incident at London’s Heathrow Airport on August 10, 2006, when authorities pursued the notion of liquid bombs and intensified screening procedures. It is highlighted that since then, such incidents have not recurred, and screening technology has advanced significantly. Modern equipment and refined procedures have been integrated into airport security workflows, enabling more precise checks with less disruption to travelers.
In 2019, the Russian company Ratek introduced a security scanner capable of identifying the contents of containers without opening them. Such technology holds the promise of future changes that could allow liquids and other substances to be carried aboard aircraft, as well as by trains and in other crowded public venues, by making on-site verification faster and more reliable. Supporters argue that this advancement would streamline security processes while maintaining high safety standards, potentially reducing bottlenecks at busy transit hubs.
Proponents in Russia and abroad see this as part of a broader shift toward smarter, more nuanced risk assessment rather than blanket bans. They contend that when paired with advanced scanners and trained personnel, the need for stringent size limits could diminish, enabling travelers to carry essential liquids while preserving robust safety protocols. Critics, however, emphasize the importance of maintaining strict controls to deter any potential misuse in high-traffic environments, stressing that policy changes must be grounded in solid evidence and rigorous testing across diverse settings.
As the discussion continues, observers point to the balance policymakers must strike between facilitating convenient and efficient travel and preserving the highest possible level of security. The potential relaxation of the 100 ml limit would likely hinge on demonstrated reliability of new detection technologies, comprehensive risk assessments, and international standards harmonization. In this context, the evolving dialogue around liquids in passenger luggage is viewed as a bellwether for how security policy may adapt to technological progress while honoring the practical needs of travelers, regulators, and aviation stakeholders across North America and beyond (Kommersant).