European Union introduces revised luggage regulations for air travel
The European Union Commission has given the green light for the use of advanced computed tomography (CT) devices at airports in 21 member states. These new scanners, manufactured by Smiths Detection, will be larger than the current models, requiring structural adaptations [1].
The transition to these state-of-the-art scanners comes with high procurement costs and extensive structural adaptations at the control points. Funding for these devices can come from airport operators, the Federal Ministry of the Interior, or state aviation security authorities, depending on who is responsible for conducting the checks [1].
One of the key advantages of these new CT scanners is their ability to detect solid and liquid explosives. They use medical technology CT scanning to inspect hand luggage, allowing security personnel to examine liquids without passengers needing to remove them [2]. This means passengers will be able to carry up to two liters of liquids in hand luggage instead of the previous 100-milliliter limit.
However, the relaxed regulation only applies at checkpoints with EU-approved CT scanners, mostly Smiths Detection models. Airports or lanes still using older or non-approved scanners must maintain the strict 100-milliliter rule [2].
Germany's largest airport, Frankfurt, has installed the new scanners in 40 of its nearly 190 screening lanes, with 40 more units on order. However, no immediate policy changes are planned due to mixed equipment, software readiness issues, and the need to manage passenger information [2]. Munich Airport has many scanners installed, but necessary software upgrades have been delayed to avoid disruptions during the summer season [1].
A complete rollout across German airports is still years away. Frankfurt's new Terminal 3, which will feature state-of-the-art CT scanners and support the relaxed liquid rules, is scheduled to open in 2026 [3]. Other EU airports, like Vienna-Schwechat, plan to procure new scanners by 2026 but have not completed implementation [4]. The European Commission estimates approximately 700 CT scanners are being installed or already operational across airports in 21 EU countries, with timelines varying considerably [5].
In summary:
- CT scanner installation: Partial (Frankfurt with 40 lanes, Munich substantial but software updates delayed)
- Liquid container rule: 100 ml limit remains in effect where CT scanners are not approved or software not ready (Relaxed limits only where CT scanners are fully operational and certified)
- Major airport upgrade: Frankfurt Terminal 3 with full CT scanner checks planned for 2026
Thus, while the new scanners will eventually allow larger quantities of liquids onboard, the current 100-milliliter rule at most German airports will continue until the new technology and policies are fully rolled out and operational, which may take several more years [1][2][3][5].
It is important to note that the nationwide, complete transition of all control lanes to the new devices is complex. CT scanners have been in use for years, but there were previous doubts about their reliability, leading to further inspections by the EU last summer [1]. The new devices provide hundreds of images of luggage, enabling three-dimensional views and layer-by-layer scanning [2].
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4] [5] [Source 5]
These new CT scanners, a combination of advanced technology and medical technology, will revolutionize airport security by allowing security personnel to inspect liquids without the need for passengers to remove them. Airport operators, the Federal Ministry of the Interior, or state aviation security authorities may fund these devices, enabling a transition to a more relaxed liquid container rule in the future.
Travelers may eventually benefit from these changes, as the new rules will allow them to carry up to two liters of liquids in hand luggage rather than adhering to the previous 100-milliliter limit, but the complete rollout of these state-of-the-art scanners across airports in Germany and other EU member states is still several years away.
