The US government has officially announced that travellers will no longer be required to remove their shoes during airport security screenings a rule that has been in place for more than two decades.

The policy, introduced in 2001 after British terrorist Richard Reid attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes aboard a flight, became one of the most visible features of post-9/11 airport security.

Although Reid was stopped by fellow passengers before he could carry out the attack, the incident prompted authorities to mandate shoe removal at security checkpoints nationwide.

In a statement issued this week, US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said the decision reflects major advances in security technology. “We are fully confident that we can maintain security standards while providing better convenience to travellers,” she said.

Officials cited the deployment of new scanning equipment and the introduction of multiple layers of security protocols that make it possible to detect threats without requiring passengers to take off their shoes.

While the move is expected to ease congestion and reduce frustration for millions of passengers, authorities stressed that other security measures remain in effect.

Travellers will still need to present valid identification, undergo flight verification, remove laptops and large electronics for separate screening, and comply with restrictions on liquids and gels.

The change has been welcomed by frequent flyers who have long complained about the delays and inconvenience caused by shoe removal at busy airports.

Officials said the updated procedures would improve both efficiency and passenger experience without compromising safety.