Air passengers will still have to carry liquids in their suitcases rather than their hand luggage as the European Commission has postponed its decision to lift the ban.
The Commission had planned to ease the restriction, in place since 2006, by April.
However, following a review of the policy, it was decided to keep the ban for at least all of next year, with the possibility of staggering its removal from 2014 onwards.
According to Brussels, the problem is not that the technology to detect risks in containers holding liquids is not available but that technological defects have been identified that could complicate checks.
For example, there will still be a risk of false alarms.
Moreover, the Commission decided the 2013 deadline for all airports to install such equipment is not realistic because many have fallen back in their preparations.
The Commission’s decision has been welcomed by the Association of European Airports.
Secretary general Olivier Jankovec said trials carried out at several European airports showed the technology used to detect liquids “isn’t there yet”.
“Further progress is needed to develop more mature and robust technology fully geared for operational reality and effectively improving the passenger experience,” he said.
Liquids, aerosols and gels are also banned at Malta International Airport, with passengers only allowed to carry single containers no bigger than 100ml placed in a transparent bag.
A spokesman for MIA said that there were no liquid explosives detectors at the Gudja terminal and that the technology, which was still being tested, was only present in few European airports.
“We are obviously following the developments in this area and will be in a position to comply once an EU directive is in place. We are collaborating with ACI,” the spokesman said.
The ban was introduced in all EU airports after the UK police foiled a plot to blow up transatlantic planes using explosives hidden in soft drink bottles.
Since then, thousands of passengers have been forced to throw away bottles of perfume, tubes of sun protection and other liquids before boarding planes.