Brussels Airport to end liquids and laptop hassle with next-generation security scanners (as from 2028)

Passengers travelling through Brussels Airport will no longer need to remove liquids or electronic devices from their hand luggage during security screening in the coming years, as the airport prepares for a major overhaul of its screening infrastructure.

The airport announced plans to introduce next-generation CT scanners for cabin baggage and new body scanners for passenger screening as part of a large-scale modernisation programme aimed at improving both efficiency and passenger comfort.

The first new scanners are expected to enter service in 2028, while the complete replacement of the existing departure security screening system is scheduled to be completed by summer 2029.

Currently, passengers travelling through Brussels Airport must remove laptops, tablets and liquids from their hand luggage before it passes through traditional X-ray machines. Under the new system, those items can remain inside bags thanks to advanced CT imaging technology, similar to systems already introduced at several other major European airports.

The new scanners will also ease liquid restrictions. Under current European rules, passengers using the new equipment will be allowed to carry liquids in containers of up to two litres, removing the long-standing 100 ml limitation per container. The total amount of liquids will also no longer be restricted to one litre.

According to Brussels Airport CEO Arnaud Feist, the investment is intended not only to strengthen security but also to prepare the airport for future passenger growth.

“The safety of our passengers and staff is always our top priority,” Feist said. “With this new technology, we will not only continue to ensure safety, but also make security screening even smoother and easier for our passengers.”

The rollout will happen in several phases to avoid disrupting airport operations. A first test with a body scanner is planned for June, while construction of a temporary additional screening platform equipped with the new technology is expected to begin in 2027.

That temporary facility will allow Brussels Airport to keep sufficient screening capacity available while the existing 19 departure screening lanes are upgraded one by one.

The project forms part of the airport’s broader “Hub 3.0” strategy, through which Brussels Airport aims to improve passenger experience and future-proof its role as a major European hub.

Once completed, transfer passenger screening areas will also receive the new generation scanners at a later stage.