The decision from European Commission to postpone the lifting of the ban on liquids in planes will be discussed by MEPs in the Transport Committee over coming weeks but divisions are already clear. Some are disappointed by the decision but others believe that the EU should wait until the equipment necessary to scan liquids is available.

In 2006, the ban on liquids was introduced after the discovery of a terrorist plot to build explosives using liquids during flights from London to the US and Canada. Now passengers are limited to carrying liquids, gels, aerosols, jam and cheese in bottles of less than 100 ml in hand luggage.

A year after, the EP called on the European Commission to review restrictions and repeal them as soon as possible, without compromising passenger safety. The aim was to lift the ban in 2010, but that was postponed until 2013.

According to the Transport Committee Chair Brian Simpson the decision is a mistake but believes the Commission had no choice after some large countries said they would keep the ban in place. However, Transport Committee Vice-President Peter van Dalen, stated the EU should wait until the equipment necessary to scan liquids is available. In addition, a partial lifting of the ban could be puzzling for passengers who would have to deal with different sets of rules.