The European Union has paved the way for a fundamental change in airport security checks. With the approval of innovative scanners that can reliably detect liquid explosives, the end of the strict 100-milliliter liquid limit for air travel is within reach. While the EU has created the technical requirements, implementation now lies with individual airports.
In Austria, Vienna-Schwechat Airport plans to take a pioneering role and roll out the new devices nationwide as early as 2026. This change, which requires investments running into the millions, is intended not only to make travel easier for passengers, as they won't have to remove liquids or electronics from their hand luggage, but also to shorten waiting times at checkpoints. Smaller regional airports in Austria and Germany, however, are waiting, as the changeover involves high costs and structural changes.
The technological revolution: How CT scanners are changing security checks
The restrictions on liquids in hand luggage, in place since 2006, are a direct result of thwarted terrorist attacks in which attackers attempted to make explosives from various liquids on board an aircraft. To combat this threat, the 100-milliliter rule was introduced, forcing millions of travelers to carefully prepare their hand luggage.
The new scanners approved by the EU use a technology known from medical imaging: the Computer tomography (CT)Unlike conventional 2D X-ray machines, these CT scanners produce a three-dimensional image of the carry-on luggage. The 3D imaging, created by X-rays hitting the luggage from many different angles, enables rapid and extremely accurate analysis of devices and liquids inside. This allows liquid explosives to be reliably detected and distinguished from harmless liquids such as water or cosmetics.
This will be a significant relief for passengers. In the future, they will no longer have to go through the tedious procedure of removing electronics such as laptops or tablets, as well as liquids, from their hand luggage. This not only shortens the preparation time at the security checkpoint but also significantly increases capacity. Experts believe that this will significantly reduce waiting times, which often become a nuisance for travelers during peak hours. While the new technology theoretically allows the carriage of liquids up to two liters, the exact quantity limits will continue to be regulated by EU regulations.
Vienna-Schwechat as a pioneer: 25-million-euro investment for the future
In Austria, the Airport Wien-Schwechat, to be the first and so far only airport in the country to introduce the new CT scanners across the country. According to the airport, the procurement process is already underway, and the complete conversion in all terminals is scheduled to take place during 2026. A total of EUR 25 million invested.
This massive investment underscores Vienna Airport's commitment to strengthening its position as a major international hub and offering passengers a more modern and efficient service. The switch to the new scanners is a strategic step designed to secure the airport's international competitiveness. Officials in Vienna are convinced that the improved passenger comfort and shorter waiting times will be a decisive advantage. The exact date of commissioning is still pending, but the groundwork for implementation has been laid.
Challenges for regional airports: Structural hurdles and high costs
While the transition is being pushed forward at full speed at Vienna-Schwechat, the other Austrian airports are showing much more caution. The reasons for this are primarily high costs and construction challengesThe new CT scanners are significantly larger and heavier than the existing X-ray machines, requiring extensive adaptations and modifications in existing control areas.
The Salzburg Airport For example, the airport has decided to postpone the introduction of scanners until the completion of its major project to rebuild the terminal. According to airport spokesperson Alexander Klaus, construction of the new terminal is scheduled to begin in 2027 and be completed by 2030. Premature installation of the devices would be unprofitable due to their size and the associated renovation work. Klaus emphasized that they must first await the precise EU specifications and any transition periods.
Similar considerations are made at Graz Airport Managing Director Jürgen Löschnig confirmed that the use of the scanners is being evaluated, but it is clear that major structural measures would be necessary, which would entail considerable costs. Since check-in times in Graz are already short by international standards, there is currently no urgent need for action. For the time being, the 100-milliliter limit applies.
Also the Linz Airport They want to wait and see what Vienna-Schwechat Airport has to offer before making a decision. As a regional airport, the acquisition costs are a significant hurdle, and structural changes are unavoidable. Innsbruck airport There is also reluctance. Spokesperson Nicole Kehle pointed to the "significant investments" required for such scanners and noted that even at major airports like Munich, the new devices are not yet in widespread use.
Germany in waiting mode: software problems and logistical hurdles
In Germany, too, the end of the 100-milliliter rule is not yet in sight, although some airports already have the appropriate CT scanners. The main problem here is the lack of Area coverageAs long as older devices are still in use at checkpoints, travelers cannot be informed in advance whether or not they need to prepare their hand luggage as usual. This would lead to confusion and unnecessary delays. Another obstacle is the lack of the correct software on some of the new devices, which impairs their full functionality.
While the EU has paved the way for the new technology, implementing the new regulations is complex. It requires not only significant financial resources but also thoughtful logistical planning and a coordinated rollout that ensures travelers are not faced with confusing or conflicting regulations.
A new era with teething problems
The EU's decision to approve CT scanners heralds a new era in aviation safety. The new technology promises not only greater safety but also a significant improvement in the travel experience for millions of passengers. Vienna Schwechat Airport's pioneering role demonstrates that the major hubs are willing to innovate. However, the reluctance of smaller regional airports is understandable, as they face significant financial and structural challenges.
The transition to the new scanners is expected to be a gradual process that will take several years. The introduction of the new technology will also require a reassessment of security checkpoint procedures. In the long run, however, the benefits are likely to outweigh the disadvantages. The end of liquid restrictions and easier passage through checkpoints will make air travel more pleasant again.