Passengers at Dublin Airport no longer need to take liquids, gels, or electronics out of their hand luggage at security in either terminal anymore.

The old 100ml or less liquid rule is being relaxed too, with departing passengers permitted to carry up to 2 litres in their hand luggage, while liquids and gels no longer need to be packed into clear plastic bags.

The change is thanks to a multi-million-euro upgrade by daa in the scanning technology that’s used to screen departing passengers and their hand luggage before they fly.

Around 30 new cutting-edge “C3” scanners and body scanners have been rolled out in Dublin Airport’s two terminals. The new C3 scanners use technology similar to CT scanners in hospitals, generating 3D images of bags, which make it easier to detect what is inside.

Dublin Airport is one of the first airports in Europe to fully switch over to C3, which provide the best threat detection technology available within the aviation industry.

The conversion to a fully C3 operation at Dublin Airport has been achieved ahead of daa’s own target of October 2025 and ahead of the regulatory deadline of December 31, 2025.

In addition, three scanners have been installed in a new secondary screening area located on the mezzanine level in Terminal 1, which is open to passengers from 4am until mid-afternoon each day. In time, this area will become home to a new dedicated Fast Track facility, with all other T1 passengers going through regular security downstairs. 

While Dublin Airport is now fully C3 operational, other airports in the UK and Europe are not as advanced. Therefore, passengers booked to return to Dublin are encouraged to check the liquid rules at the airport from which they are flying back from. 

Dublin Airport’s rule changes at a glance:

What’s changed?
+ Liquids, gels and electronics can stay in your hand luggage when going through security.
+ There is no limit on the number of liquids and gels that can be carried in your hand luggage.
+ The previous 100ml maximum limit on liquids and gels no longer applies and items of up to 2 litres can be carried.
+ Liquids and gels no longer need to be packed inside clear plastic bags.

What’s staying the same?
+ Items such as belts, footwear which extends over the ankle, jackets, hoodies and oversized jumpers and cardigans must be removed and placed in the security tray.
+ Passengers must continue to remove all items from their pockets, including keys, wallets and phones.

Further advice on the rules around airport security is available here on the Dublin Airport website.

Passengers are advised to prepare for security in advance of getting to the airport, and to be ready when it’s their turn to be screened, to prevent unnecessary delays.