Preparation of Romania's Airports to Ease Liquids Restrictions in Carry-on Luggage
Romania's airports are undergoing various changes, with some investing in modern infrastructure while others are considering upgrades to security screening equipment.
Currently, Oradea Airport's scanning equipment has been operational for about five years. However, there is no confirmed update or status about upgrades to security screening equipment at Romanian airports that would impact liquid restrictions for the 2022–2026 period.
Investigating official Romanian aviation authority releases or EU regulatory documents may provide more precise data. Meanwhile, some airports are making progress. Maramureș International Airport has purchased two scanners, with an investment value of approximately RON 500,000 (EUR 100,000), and plans to install them in the new passenger terminal. Once certified, passengers at Maramureș International Airport will be able to carry bottles with liquids or gels of up to 2 liters in hand luggage.
Similar restrictions on transporting liquids in hand luggage remain at "Traian Vuia" International Airport in Timișoara until the equipment that checks these liquids is updated. Craiova Airport is currently equipped with scanning devices for bottles containing up to 2 liters of liquid and electronic devices, but is subject to new certification tests due to a recent European Commission decision.
Elsewhere, Satu Mare International Airport has tripled its passenger reception capacity from 150 to 450 people and completed a modernization project. However, the airport does not have a high enough annual passenger number to justify purchasing scanners for large liquid containers in hand luggage.
On the other hand, Oradea Airport plans to acquire new-generation scanning equipment within the next two years, subject to budget allocations. Cluj "Avram Iancu" International Airport has scanners that require software updates from the manufacturing company. Transylvania Târgu Mureș Airport initiated the purchase of security control equipment last year, but these require recertification by the European Commission.
Meanwhile, the Bucharest Airports National Company has signed a contract for the delivery of security control equipment that will allow the lifting of restrictions associated with processing liquids, aerosols, and gels at Baneasa and Henri Coanda International Airport. Craiova Airport is undergoing a modernization and expansion of its terminals, including the equipment purchased for the new terminal.
It's important to note that changes in liquid restrictions for carry-on baggage at airports are typically tied to international aviation security standards, often regulated by organizations such as ICAO or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The Romanian Intelligence Service noted that only airports with the new model of control equipment can allow passengers to transport liquids, aerosols, and gels in containers with a capacity of up to two liters in the aircraft cabin.
As the situation evolves, it is expected that more airports in Romania will follow suit and invest in modern security screening equipment to further enhance safety and passenger experience.
In response to the current liquid restrictions, Maramureș International Airport is investing in upgraded scanning equipment, aiming to allow passengers to carry liquids or gels of up to 2 liters in hand luggage. On the other hand, Oradea Airport is planning to acquire new-generation scanning equipment within the next two years to potentially ease travel-related lifestyle challenges for passengers.
