Traveller holding up shampoo bottles in clear plastic bag

Which Airports In Spain Will Eliminate The Hand Luggage Liquid Rule In 2024?

Expat Tips Published: 01 November 2023 11:25 CET Updated: 13 August 2025 16:36 CET

Looking for the latest information? Read our updated guide to Spanish airport hand luggage liquid rules here!

New Airport Liquid Rules in Spain Explained

In a groundbreaking development set to revolutionise air travel, Spanish airports are set to eliminate the stringent hand luggage liquid restrictions by 2024. This transformative shift is set to create a hassle-free experience for travellers while maintaining safety standards, as Aena, the public company managing Spanish airports, adopts cutting-edge 3D X-ray scanners to screen carry-on luggage.

The End of Liquid Limitations

For over a decade, passengers have grappled with the tedious task of segregating their liquids into 100ml bottles and removing electronics at security checkpoints. This era of inconvenience is about to come to an end, allowing passengers to keep their toiletries, beverages like wine, and olive oil intact in their hand luggage.

Which Airports Will Lead the Way?

The rollout of these revolutionary airport security rules will commence in 2024, starting with Madrid Barajas and Barcelona El-Prat airports, as they become the first Spanish terminals to implement this forward-thinking approach.

Phase One: 2024 Rollout

Palma de Mallorca Airport is also expected to join the streamlined security process by late 2024.

Phase Two: 2025–2026 Rollout

The installation of advanced 3D scanners will continue in phases, beginning with:

Malaga Costa del Sol (2025)
Gran Canaria
Tenerife Sur
Fuerteventura
Cesar Manrique Lanzarote
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez
Ibiza
Bilbao
Menorca
Valencia

Why Are the Rules Changing?

The motivation behind these changes lies in enhancing security measures while expediting the screening process to reduce long queues and delays. Since 2006, restrictions were introduced following a foiled terrorist plot involving explosives hidden in liquid containers. The 100ml limit was created to mitigate this threat.

Advanced Scanners and New X-ray Technology

Electronics such as laptops were historically removed because they could obstruct other items or conceal weapons. With new 3D CT scanners, security teams can analyse luggage contents with exceptional precision — eliminating the need to separate liquids and electronics.

Technology Already Tested in Other Countries

These systems have been successfully trialled in the United States and soon across Europe. The United Kingdom has plans to adopt 3D scanner-based procedures from June 2024, while Ireland is testing scanners in Dublin and Cork.

The End of the 100ml Limit

No More Plastic Bags or Bottle Size Limits

In Spain, the 100ml limit will no longer apply. Travellers may carry liquids of any size without using transparent, sealable bags.

Examples of Allowed Items

Shampoo, gels, creams, lotions
Perfume, toothpaste, foams
Mixed liquid-solid items like spreads
Olive oil, wine, and other beverages
Baby formula and medication (no prescription needed)

European Parliament Position

These changes also align with the European Parliament’s push for allowing passengers to carry standard cabin bags free of charge. Although not yet enforceable, the European Commission is working on unified hand luggage regulations for all EU airlines, including low-cost carriers such as Ryanair.