Baggage size rules take effect in 6 months: EU

Brussels, Oct 5: The European Commission adopted new aviation security rules today restricting the amount of liquids passengers may bring on board planes but it said size limits for carry-on bags would enter into force in six months.

The European Union's executive branch backed the new rules, proposed last week by experts from EU member states, to unify security measures across the 25-nation bloc.

The move came after authorities in London said in August they had foiled a plot to bomb flights to the United States.

''The new regulation will plug a gap in our defences by restricting the liquids that passengers can carry past screening points and on board aircraft,'' said EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot in a statement.

''It will apply to all departing flights in order to protect people everywhere in the (EU),'' he said.

Most of the new rules, including the curbs on liquids, are expected to come into force in early November.

The rules limiting the size of carry-on bags to 56 cm by 45 cm by 25 cm will apply in six months to give the industry time to prepare.

REUTERS