Airports in Romania preparations for the removal of regulations on liquids transportation
Romanian airports are in the midst of a transitional phase as they upgrade their security screening equipment to comply with new European Commission regulations, which reintroduce restrictions on transporting liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in hand luggage, effective from September 1, 2024.
The new equipment, designed to allow passengers to carry larger volumes of liquids and avoid removing liquids and electronic devices from carry-on luggage, is not yet fully operational at most airports.
At Transilvania Airport, Targu Mures, modern security screening equipment was purchased in 2024 as part of a modernization project. However, its use has been suspended by the European Commission due to identified technical issues. The equipment requires manufacturer-led re-certification before it can be used to lift liquid restrictions. Completion of the modernization project is expected in December 2025, but operational use of the new scanners depends on re-certification.
Traian Vuia International Airport, Timisoara, is in a similar situation, with restrictions on onboard liquids maintained until updated equipment is certified and operational.
Baneasa and Henri Coanda International Airports in Bucharest have signed contracts for the delivery of new security control equipment enabling the lifting of liquid restrictions. Installation and commissioning are expected to conclude in the first quarter of 2026.
Cluj "Avram Iancu" International Airport already has suitable scanners but they require software updates from the manufacturer to meet new standards. The airport is actively working on these updates but cannot currently estimate when liquid restrictions will be lifted.
Craiova Airport is undergoing a modernization and expansion of its terminals, including the equipment purchased for the new terminal. Once certified, passengers at Craiova Airport will be able to carry bottles with liquids or gels of up to 2 liters in hand luggage.
Satu Mare International Airport has chosen to invest in modernizing infrastructure instead of purchasing scanners for large liquid containers, as the number of annual passengers is low.
Oradea Airport plans to acquire new-generation scanning equipment within the next two years, depending on budget allocations.
The European Commission’s suspension and requirement for re-certification stem from technical issues with certain screening systems. The delays in software upgrades and equipment deployment mean that as of August 2025, Romanian airports largely still enforce liquid restrictions for carry-on luggage. However, significant progress towards lifting these restrictions is expected in late 2025 or early 2026.
[1] Transilvania Airport, Targu Mures
[2] Baneasa and Henri Coanda International Airports (Bucharest)
Photo Source: Cateyeperspective from Dreamstime.com
- The European Commission has suspended the use of the modern security screening equipment at Transilvania Airport, Targu Mures, due to identified technical issues, requiring manufacturer-led re-certification before it can be used to lift liquid restrictions.
- Baneasa and Henri Coanda International Airports in Bucharest have signed contracts for the delivery of new security control equipment that will eventually enable them to lift liquid restrictions, with installation and commissioning expected to conclude in the first quarter of 2026.
