A ban on liquids at airports around the world, in place since 2006, might soon be lifted following news that Heathrow Airport is testing scanners capable of taking 3D X-rays of the contents of passengers' carry-on luggage — thus possibly ending the practice of having travelers remove such items.

The Department for Transport (DfT) explained that the new technology allows baggage screeners "to use 3D imagery to look at objects from all angles."

According to a DfT spokesperson, “The UK has some of the strictest security measures in the world, and we are leading the way in using new technology to improve security screening and provide a better experience for passengers.

"If successful, this could lead in future to passengers no longer needing to remove items from hand luggage for screening."

The DfT added: "We continue to work closely with our international counterparts to harness the latest advances in technology."

The computerized tomography (CT) scanners are also being tested at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport and Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.

Currently, travelers carrying liquids in their carry-on luggage are allowed no more than 100 ml per passenger and the container holding that liquid can only be held in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag that can be easily removed from carry-on luggage during pre-flight security screenings.

The ban was initiated following fears that transatlantic flights might be downed by terrorists concealing liquid explosives in drink bottles.

As testing commences, the DfT cautions that the liquid ban will still be in place and that passengers getting ready to board flights will still be expected to remove such items during security screenings.