New scanners at Zurich Airport: This is important for passengers now

Zurich Airport is pushing ahead with the modernization of its security checkpoints: New CT scanners have been installed gradually since the end of October (Travelnews reportet). The work started on level G0 and, due to temporarily reduced capacity, has led to longer waiting times.

Those who want to avoid stress should therefore arrive at the airport early enough: For Schengen flights, allow one and a half to two hours' notice, for long-haul flights two to three hours.

The first phase is now complete – and passengers have important questions: What exactly is changing? How will the renovation continue? And when will the 100-milliliter rule finally be lifted? Travelnews provides an overview of the current situation and the further timeline.

What is the exact schedule?

With the upgrade to new CT technology, all 26 screening lanes in the security control building at Zurich Airport will be brought up to date by summer 2026. The upgrade will take place in stages. On Monday, December 8, 2025, the first seven new scanners will go into operation on level G0. Levels G3, G1, and G2 will follow successively. Security checks will remain operational throughout the work. However, the airport advises that longer waiting times may occur at certain points due to the upgrade.

How will passengers benefit from the renovation?

The centerpiece of the new facilities are the CT scanners for hand luggage. These enable three-dimensional analysis of the luggage. Liquids and electronic devices can now remain in the luggage at the new CT scanners, which speeds up the process and significantly increases passenger comfort. The use of this new technology increases throughput per line, while, according to the airport, simultaneously ensuring the quality and reliability of the checks. The seven new CT scanners are also capable and certified to inspect liquid containers with a capacity of up to two liters.

From what point onwards will passengers be allowed to leave laptops and bottles in their luggage?

While security checkpoints at Zurich Airport are still being upgraded and not all 26 screening lanes across four levels have been equipped with the new CT technology, the 100-milliliter liquid limit remains in place. During the transition period, which is expected to last until summer 2026, passengers cannot be guaranteed access to a modernized screening lane. Allocation is based on availability: depending on passenger volume and capacity, staff on-site decide whether passengers are directed to one of the new or existing screening lanes. Passengers screened at a lane that has already been upgraded are permitted to keep liquid containers of up to two liters in their hand luggage, provided they do not contain hazardous substances. Zurich Airport plans to officially raise the liquid limit after the complete upgrade of the security screening building is finished by summer 2026. Currently, electronic devices are permitted in hand luggage at all lanes equipped with the new CT technology.

What else is changing?

In addition to the new CT technology, Zurich Airport is also deploying modern security scanners for the first time. These devices are used after the metal detector and enable more precise alarm verification. A standardized pictogram indicates where an anomaly has been detected on the body – without revealing personal characteristics or contours. Another key component of the modernization is so-called remote screening. At Zurich Airport, cantonal police security officers no longer evaluate X-ray images of carry-on luggage directly at the checkpoint, but in a separate control room. This physical separation creates a quieter and more ergonomic working environment, improves concentration, and eases congestion in the security area. The result is a more efficient screening process and shorter waiting times for passengers.

What's happening at Basel and Geneva airports?

Geneva Airport was one of the first airports to implement the new technology in 2018, and equipped two security lanes with CT scanners. A third lane for priority passengers will soon be opened using the new technology, reports the «Tages-Anzeiger» (subscription required) . The future airport terminal CAP2030 will be fully equipped with the latest technology, replacing the 15 existing security lanes.

At EuroAirport Basel, the first CT scanner has been in operation since summer 2024, and a second is currently being installed and is expected to be available to passengers in the first quarter of 2026. Nevertheless, as at Zurich Airport, the 100-milliliter rule for liquids still applies for the time being, even though the new scanners would actually allow for larger containers up to two liters. In Basel, as elsewhere, airport staff decide on a case-by-case basis which passengers are directed to which screening line – therefore, the availability of the new technology cannot be guaranteed in advance.

Unlike Zurich, Basel Airport cannot fully replace its existing security screening equipment due to structural constraints. While a comprehensive rollout of the new technology is planned, this is directly linked to the planned terminal expansion. Therefore, it remains unclear when travelers in Basel will no longer be required to remove liquids and laptops from their hand luggage.