TORONTO — U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Tuesday that it’s too early to say when aviation officials can lift a ban on liquids aboard flights despite international officials’ statements that it could come as early as 2012.
Napolitano told The Associated Press she’s surprised by International Civil Aviation Organization Secretary General Raymond Benjamin’s remarks that security equipment in most airports will allow for the ban to be lifted soon.
Napolitano said the technology isn’t ready.
A terrorist plot to blow up transatlantic passenger jets in 2006 using liquid explosives sparked sweeping restrictions for passengers carrying liquids and gels on board.
The European Union says it plans to phase out the restrictions by 2013. Benjamin told AP the equipment will be in airports in two years.
