Innovation in Airport Security Screening

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New scanners will make traveling through UK’s airports more secure and simple. Currently, passengers taking liquid in their cabin baggage are restricted to containers holding no more than 100ml, which must be shown to security staff in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag. New 3D baggage screening equipment will boost security, speed up pre-boarding checks, and could end the restrictions on travelling with liquids and laptops. The scanners are able to see what liquid was contained in luggage. The technology is already being used by US airports.

The systems will be installed in all major UK airports before the end of 2022, the government says.

The equipment, similar to CT scanners used in hospitals, is already being installed at London’s Heathrow Airport, providing a clearer picture of a bag’s contents, which staff can zoom in to and rotate for inspection.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “By making journeys through UK airports easier than ever, this new equipment will help boost the vital role our airports play in securing the UK’s position as a global hub for trade, tourism and investment.”

Heathrow has revealed it is spending £50m in order to roll out the technology over the next few years. It is the first UK airport to install the equipment, which it has been trialling since 2017.

The scanners are set to be rolled out to other UK airports over the next few years. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the aviation companies would be paying for the changes, rather than the taxpayer, according to bbc.com.