Airports in Romania Preparing to Lift Constraints on Liquids
Update on Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) Restrictions in Romanian Airports
Starting from the first quarter of 2026, major Romanian airports are expected to have updated security screening equipment for Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs), allowing passengers to carry large-volume liquids in their hand luggage.
The Bucharest airports, Henri Coanda International Airport and Baneasa Airport, are at the forefront of this change. New security control equipment contracts have been signed, and the installation, commissioning, and software updates are underway. Once these processes are complete, passengers will no longer need to adhere to the current LAG restrictions [1].
Cluj Avram Iancu International Airport already has relevant scanners, but they require software updates from the manufacturer. The airport authorities are working on these updates, but a definitive timeline for when large-volume liquids will be allowed has not been given [1].
Other Romanian airports will also lift LAG restrictions once they install newly certified security equipment with a new detection algorithm, following European recertification standards. Only airports with fully installed, updated, and tested equipment will allow passengers to carry LAGs in containers up to two liters in hand luggage [2].
Craiova Airport is currently equipped with scanning devices for bottles containing up to 2 liters of liquid and electronic devices. Maramureș International Airport has purchased two scanners that will be installed in the new passenger terminal, and Oradea Airport plans to acquire new-generation scanning equipment within the next two years [2].
However, some airports, like Satu Mare International Airport, do not plan to purchase scanners for carrying large liquid containers due to a low annual number of passengers. Timișoara's "Traian Vuia" International Airport also has restrictions on transporting liquids in hand luggage until the equipment that checks these liquids is updated [2].
The investment value for the scanners at Maramureș International Airport is approximately RON 500,000 (EUR 100,000). The European Commission reintroduced the restriction on transporting liquids in hand luggage, subjecting all equipment of this type to a new set of certification tests, starting September 1, 2024, at Craiova Airport [3].
Airport modernization projects are ongoing at several locations. For instance, Craiova Airport is undergoing a modernization and expansion of its terminals, and the same applies to the equipment purchased for the new terminal. Mihai Pătrașcu, Airport Director at Satu Mare International Airport, mentioned a modernization project that tripled passenger reception capacity from 150 to 450 people, to be completed in December [4].
In summary, while major Romanian airports are gearing up for the implementation of new LAG screening equipment, the exact timeline varies depending on the airport and the progress of software updates and equipment procurement. Passengers should continue to follow current LAG restrictions until further notice.
[1] Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) [2] Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) and various airport officials [3] European Commission [4] Local media reports
- With the installation of new scanning equipment, some Romanian airports will revise their Lifestyle practices, as passengers may soon be able to Travel with larger-volume liquids in their hand luggage.
- The update of scanners at certain airports, like Maramureș International Airport, has an estimated investment value of EUR 100,000, demonstrating the commitment to Travel convenience and modernized Lifestyle options for passengers.
