New computed tomography (CT) security scanners are being put into operation in Munich Airport’s Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The machines produce fully rotatable, 3D X-ray images in high resolution and, in the future, will be deployed at all commercial airports in Bavaria.
“We have subjected the technology to extensive tests, and the results are unequivocal: passengers like the scanners because they no longer have to unpack their laptops and liquids, which makes the checks much faster,” said Bavaria’s Transport Minister Christian Bernreiter. “Moreover, the CT scanners provide additional security by seamlessly and automatically detecting explosives and other dangerous items.”
Bavaria is, therefore, investing more than €45 million to equip all checkpoints at Munich Airport with the modern technology. Another advantage of the new checkpoints is that more passengers can place their luggage on the belt at once, which reduces waiting times. A double lane can handle up to 520 passengers an hour – an increase of around 160%. “The new CT scanners are the next level in terms of security, fast processing and convenience,” said Jost Lammers, CEO, Munich Airport. “An important component in offering our guests a more pleasant travel experience.”
Air travellers in Bavaria are the first in Germany to fully benefit from the modern security technology. In addition to the two pilot systems in use at Munich Airport’s Terminal 2 since 2019, three further screening lanes in Terminal 1 and two in Terminal 2 are going into operation. All other checkpoints will be upgraded in ten further construction phases by the start of the summer holidays in 2026, when up to 48 lanes and 60 CT scanners will be in use. Nuremberg Airport is also to be fully upgraded in the same period – the first machine has been in operation since the end of February. Bavaria’s third airport, Memmingen, will acquire the technology during the next structural expansion.
