Zurich Airport Introduces New CT Scanners at Security

Zurich Airport Ltd has started deploying new CT scanner technology at the security checkpoints of Zurich Airport, marking a major upgrade to its passenger screening infrastructure.

 

he first phase of the rollout went live on Monday, December 8, with seven new CT scanners entering operation on one of the four floors in the airport’s Security Control Building. The full project will see all 26 security control lines upgraded by summer 2026, bringing them in line with the latest international standards.

The new CT scanners allow three-dimensional analysis of carry-on luggage, enabling passengers to keep liquids and electronic devices inside their bags during screening. This change is expected to significantly speed up the process while improving comfort for travelers and working conditions for security staff. Each line equipped with the new technology can process a higher number of passengers without compromising security quality.

The scanners are certified to screen liquid containers of up to two liters. Passengers passing through the new systems will no longer have such containers confiscated, provided their contents do not pose a security risk.

However, Zurich Airport confirmed that the existing 100ml liquid restriction will remain in place during the transition period. As long as not all control lines have been converted, passengers cannot choose which screening technology they use and will be directed by airport staff based on capacity and operational needs. The airport plans to revise the liquid limits once the full conversion is completed, no later than summer 2026.

In addition to CT scanners, the airport is introducing new security scanners for secondary checks following metal detector alarms. These systems use standardized pictograms to indicate the location of anomalies on the body without displaying personal characteristics. Another key change is the introduction of remote screening, allowing officers from the Zurich Cantonal Police to analyze X-ray images in a separate room, improving ergonomics and reducing congestion at the control lines.

The modernization work will continue in stages across all four floors of the Security Control Building while maintaining full security operations. Although passengers may occasionally experience longer waiting times during construction, Zurich Airport Ltd says the completed project will deliver a faster, more efficient, and more comfortable security screening experience for all travelers.