Brussels Airport joins Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, London Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham and Edinburgh in an effort to modernize passenger security screening with new CT scanners and body scanners that allow travelers to leave liquids and electronic devices inside their bags during checks.
The airport said the project will begin next year and forms part of its wider Hub 3.0 modernization programme designed to improve passenger comfort and increase airport capacity.
“The safety of our passengers and staff is always our top priority. With this new technology, we will not only continue to ensure safety, but also make security screening even smoother and easier for our passengers. With the new scanners, we will also increase capacity so that we are prepared for any growth in passenger numbers in the coming years,” said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport.
Today, passengers must remove laptops, tablets, and other electronics from hand luggage while liquids are limited to 100 ml containers carried inside a one-litre bag.
The upcoming CT scanners will simplify the process by allowing electronics and liquids to remain in carry-on baggage. Under existing European regulations, passengers will also be allowed to travel with liquids in containers of up to two litres.
The airport confirmed that a first test involving body scanners will take place in June. Preparations for the project are already underway, with a temporary additional screening platform expected to be constructed in 2027.
The first scanners are due to become operational in 2028, after which the airport will gradually replace the current pre-departure screening equipment to maintain passenger processing capacity during the works.
By summer 2029, all 19 departure security lanes are expected to operate with the new technology. Additional upgrades for transfer passenger screening will follow later.
Brussels Airport said the investment will help ensure the airport remains a convenient and future-proof European aviation hub.