The liquid limit is being lifted on Friday

After 20 years, it’s coming to an end: the 100-millilitre limit on liquids, introduced on 6 November 2006, will be lifted on 26 June 2026. Zurich Airport is scrapping the rule, at least for passengers on domestic flights who begin their journey in Zurich and are screened in the security control building (SKG). This means you will now benefit from simplified procedures and significantly greater convenience when carrying liquids in your hand luggage.

The new CT scanners feature state-of-the-art technology, enabling a three-dimensional analysis of hand luggage and are therefore capable of reliably screening liquids and electronic devices, Zurich Airport has announced. From 26 June, liquids and electronic devices can remain in passengers’ hand luggage at all security checkpoints in the security checkpoint building.

It is no longer necessary to pack liquid containers into a separate bag. This is intended to speed up procedures at the security checkpoints and ensure greater passenger comfort.

Modernisation of security screening

The change to the liquids policy is part of the comprehensive modernisation of security screening. Since the end of 2025, the security checkpoints in the security screening building have been gradually upgraded to the new CT technology. The work is currently in its final phase. From Friday, conventional screening machines will no longer be in use. Once the upgrade is complete, all 26 security checkpoints in the security screening building will be equipped with the new technology.

Roman Jung, Project Manager at Zurich Airport Ltd, comments: “The aim of the project is to make the security screening process more pleasant for passengers. Thanks to new procedures, staff will also benefit from optimised work processes.”

Information for travellers

Double-walled bottles, such as thermos flasks, may only be carried through security if they are empty. Such containers pose a particular challenge at security checks, as their multi-layered structure can prevent the new scanners from reliably detecting the contents and identifying the liquid beyond doubt as harmless. Furthermore, analogue photographic film may be damaged by the CT scanners. It is recommended that these be proactively presented for manual screening.

Passengers are advised to continue to allow sufficient time for security screening. The arrival times recommended on the airport website remain in force.

For return journeys, different regulations apply depending on the airport regarding the maximum allowance for liquids. This also applies to connecting flights where travellers must pass through security screening again at the transit airport. Travellers are asked to check the applicable regulations in advance.

The security screening areas for transfer passengers and some specialised processes do not yet have the new CT technology. The upgrade of decentralised locations will take place at a later date. The previous rules continue to apply there: liquids may only be carried in containers of up to 100 ml. These must be placed in a transparent, resealable bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre.