New regulations for European airports receive approval
The European Commission has given the green light to advanced CT (computed tomography) airport scanners, made by UK company Smiths Detection, that can reliably detect liquid explosives. This approval means that passengers in the European Union (EU) can now carry larger quantities of liquids (up to 2 liters) in hand baggage, as opposed to the prior 100ml limit.
The decision comes after successful trials and endorsement by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) in June 2025. About 700 of these new CT scanners are currently installed or being installed across 21 EU member states.
The technology, which uses medical-style CT scanning to detect threats in hand luggage more precisely than older X-ray systems, is expected to significantly improve the passenger experience by reducing the need for time-consuming security checks.
Notable airports currently implementing or testing the technology include seven terminals in Italy, airports in Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Sweden, and the Netherlands, and Zurich Airport in Switzerland (not in the EU but relevant for regional context).
The transition to these new scanners will be gradual due to the costlier nature of the equipment and the need for software upgrades for some installed scanners to be fully operational for this new screening regimen. As a result, the traditional 100ml liquid rule still applies in many airports as of mid-2025.
The implementation of these limits on transporting liquids, aerosols, and gels by passengers began after the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States and subsequent failed attacks on transatlantic flights in 2006. The European Commission for Transport, responsible for giving the approval, did not initially authorize the technology due to technical concerns, but these concerns have since been addressed.
The European Civil Aviation Conference played a crucial role in the approval of the new airport scanners, as their recommendation significantly influenced the European Commission for Transport's decision. The responsibility for informing passengers about the use of these scanners remains with each airport.
Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, the spokesperson for the European Commission for Transport, was present at the press conference held at the institution's daily press conference in Brussels to announce the approval. This decision is part of the European Commission's ongoing efforts to enhance security and efficiency at airports across the EU.
Consumers traveling within the European Union, especially those with connections through airports in Italy, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Zurich Airport in Switzerland, may now enjoy a more seamless lifestyle during their security checks due to the implementation of advanced CT scanners. These technological advancements are expected to significantly reduce the need for time-consuming security checks, potentially revolutionizing air travel experiences in the near future.
