New changes for Dublin Airport passengers to be set in place on hand luggage restrictions

Dublin Airport's new rule changes mean passengers will no longer have to take liquids, gels and electronic items out of their hand luggage when passing through security.

The 100ml restriction on liquids and gels is also increasing to two litres now with no limit on the number of items that can be carried.

The changes will take effect from midnight on Thursday September 18, according to a report by RTE.

As part of the move, liquids and gels will no longer need to be in clear plastic bags.

Daa, which runs Dublin Airport, said that it is the result of a multi-million euro upgrade of its scanning technology, according to the report.

Thirty new C3 scanners, which make it easier to detect what is inside passengers’ bags, have been rolled out in both terminals.

The scanners work by generating 3D images of the luggage and have been compared to CT scanners in hospitals.

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Daa described it as the "best threat detection technology" available and said its introduction has been achieved ahead of a regulatory deadline of the end of this year.

Head of Communications Graeme McQueen said on RTE: "The level of detail that our scanners are able to see through these machines is really, really high," he said.

"They can spot a troublesome liquid much easier. This is the safest technology available.

"This is what airports are moving to all around the world, and here at Dublin Airport, we're one of the first major airports in Europe to be fully C3 and that's great news for passengers travelling," Mr McQueen said.

Daa said on RTE that the rollout took around three years to implement and involved a "substantial financial investment".

Passengers flying into Dublin are still being advised to check the liquid rules at the airport from which they are departing.

Items such as belts, footwear which extends over the ankle, jackets, hoodies and oversized, jumpers and cardigans must still be removed and placed in security trays.

Passengers must still continue to remove all items from their pockets, including keys, wallets and phones.