Amsterdam Schiphol has become what it is says is “the first major airport to switch to CT scans”.
Work on the security lanes at the airport’s Departures 1 has seen the replacement of x-ray machines, with a total of 21 lanes now featuring CT scanners.
Hedzer Komduur, deputy director of Safety, Security and Environment at Royal Schiphol Group, called it “a world first”, meaning “good news for passengers because they are no longer required to take their liquids and electronics out of their bags when going through security”.
“It’s also good for security staff, added Komduur. “The CT scan allows them to check baggage on their screen in 3D and even rotate it 360 degrees.”
The new technology also means that theoretically passengers departing Schiphol can now carry on bottles / containers larger than 100ml, although the airport is still recommending that customers put such items in their hold luggage.
“Bottles / containers exceeding 100ml are only allowed if approved by the CT scan and member of security staff,” said the airport.
“Moreover, restrictions on liquids in hand baggage still apply at most other airports, which could cause problems on a returning flight or during a transfer.”
Schiphol said that the security lanes at Departures 1 “can now easily be joined up with the 14 lanes at Departures 2”, making a total of 35 lanes which the airport says forms “one of the world’s largest security filters, equipped with state-of-the-art technology designed to make the process more efficient”.
“If it becomes crowded in Departures 1, travellers can go through Departures 2 and thereby improve circulation,” the airport added.
