As from Monday, new European Union restrictions on liquids carried in hand luggage will come into force in all airports within the bloc, including Malta.

Malta International Airport head of security and administration services, Mario Cuomo said: “As part of their hand luggage, passengers will only be allowed to take liquids in individual containers with a maximum volume of 100ml and these must all be able to fit “comfortably” into a transparent plastic bag that is not larger than 18 by 20 centimetres – known as a one-litre bag.”

This, he said, was being done because even if the liquids present were indeed flammable, it would not be enough to constitute a serious security risk.

Mr Cuomo also pointed out that one also needed to bear in mind that travellers can put any amount of liquid they like in their hold luggage.

Airport security officials will confiscate any liquid that is not in line with regulations, or that is not in a transparent plastic bag. “We must make this clear. We cannot hold up flights or the security process. Confiscated items will be destroyed,” he said.

Mr Cuomo said that most items that would have previously been carried in a toiletry bag now need to be put in this plastic bag or checked in. He said that people needed to cooperate and abide by the law. “Unfortunately we will not be able to make any exceptions, especially over the size of the containers,” he said.

Mr Cuomo said there will not be any size restrictions on liquids bought from shops after the security checks, explaining that they would have already been thoroughly screened.

Meanwhile, an information campaign is under way through the media informing passengers what they can and cannot take and leaflets will also be handed out at the airport. In addition, warning signs are being put up around the airport in prominent areas so as to forewarn passengers of the new system.

The leaflets explain that liquids include gels, pastes, lotions, liquid-solid mixtures, contents of pressurised containers, toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, soups, syrups, perfume, shaving foam, aerosols and items of similar consistency.

Exceptions do, however, include baby food and medicines, which do not need to be put in the bag. Mothers might be asked to taste the baby food and passengers carrying medicines may need to show a doctor’s prescription and taste their medicine. “And ideally, any over-the-counter medicines should be put in the bag along with other items,” said Mr Cuomo.

He explained that the new EU-wide regulations were pushed through after the a security alert at London’s Heathrow airport last August, in which police uncovered a plot by terrorists to take liquid explosives onto up to 10 aircraft and cause mid-flight explosions. The restrictions are expected to remain in force for at least six months, but could be changed at a later date.

Although the bags in question are available at supermarkets, passengers will also be able to buy them from the luggage-wrapping kiosk at the Departures Lounge at a nominal price.