New screening technology, biometrics and the recruitment of extra security staff feature in our security news round-up.
Upgrading security is a never ending story for airports as new legislation is implemented, new technology becomes available and new threats evolve.
The adoption or planned installation of new screening technology accounts for the bulk of the news stories in this round-up, which also includes the introduction of a new biometric-based passenger processing initiative at Orlando International Airport and the recruitment of extra security staff at Shannon Airport.
Munich completes roll out of computed tomography technology in Terminal 2
After three years of reconstruction work, the fully modernised central security lanes in Terminal 2 at Munich Airport were officially opened in April, 2025.
The 15 lanes were launched by the Southern Bavarian Aviation Authority, part of the Government of Upper Bavaria, just in time for the Easter holidays.
The modern technology with CT scanners facilitates and optimises processes for passengers and staff, while significantly enhancing overall security standards.
First and foremost, the new equipment offers greater convenience for passengers. For example, up to four passengers can present their hand luggage for screening at the same time and electronic devices and liquids no longer have to be removed from baggage.
The CT scanners also provide enhanced security by automatically detecting explosives in every piece of baggage. This, combined with the three-dimensional view of the screening images, should make work easier for the security staff, resulting in fewer follow-up checks and even more time saved at the security checkpoint.
Jost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport, said: “The new security lanes are one of the most important quality features at our airport. Just in time for the first major travel season of the year, our passengers can now benefit from the latest and safest technology, more efficient processes and noticeably more comfort.”
In addition to the now completed regular lanes, two further security lanes with CT scanners will be built by the end of 2025, which will offer greater convenience, especially to families with small children and air travellers with limited mobility.
The planned conversion measures for Terminal 1 will be completed by the beginning of the 2026 summer vacation period.
Orlando initiative to improve passenger processing times
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has introduced what it is calling Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) on select inbound flights in line with its strategy of striving to provide seamless operations through technology.
Introduced in partnership with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Florida gateway notes that the initiative will use biometric facial comparison for identity verification to increase CBP operational efficiency, while “enhancing the traveller experience and building toward a truly seamless journey”.
The process, it says, allows CBP to focus on the traveller, reducing the burden of administrative tasks. “Technology is driving the way for more efficient passenger operations,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA).
“Innovative programmes like EPP can significantly reduce processing times for passengers, without compromising security. MCO saw an increase of more than 800,000 international arrivals in 2024 than in 2023, many of them US citizens who would benefit from this programme. We deeply value our partnership with US Customs and Border Protection and thank them for their continued collaboration and support in helping us deliver a more seamless and secure experience for our international travellers.”
GOAA has selected iProov, a leading biometric solutions company, as their vendor to support EPP.
Shannon Airport welcomes new recruits to Airport Search Unit
Shannon Airport has welcomed fourteen new members of its airport security team in anticipation of a busy summer schedule.
The new Airport Search Unit (ASU) officers have completed training which includes the operation of the airport’s state of the art three-dimensional X-ray screening system.
It is this system, with built in explosive detection software, that eliminates the need for passengers travelling through Shannon Airport to separate their 100ml liquids or electronics from their cabin bags when going through security.
The training also included Cabin Baggage Search, Manual Handling, Sunflower Hidden Disability Training and much more. This was given by in-house instructors and involved both classroom and practical training, with their certification completed by examiners on behalf of the Irish Aviation Authority.
The new team members hail from Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and as far afield as Finland. They come from a variety of backgrounds including hospitality, retail, and healthcare as well as some having progressed through other departments of the airport such as the Mobility Assistance Unit.
Pat O’Brien, chief officer of the Shannon Airport Police Fire Service and Security, said: “The Airport Search Unit (ASU) officers are a vital part of both Shannon Airport security and the customer experience, which is always to the forefront of our operations here.”
Work begins on security checkpoint delivery for JFK’s new Terminal 6
JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), the company selected to build and operate New York JFK’s new Terminal 6, has announced a partnership with K2 Security Screening Group (K2 SSG) to procure, install and deploy a state-of-the-art security screening checkpoint at the future 10-gate terminal.
K2 SSG, an industry-leading airport security screening systems specialist, will work closely with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) and T6’s security technology providers Analogic, Rohde & Schwarz, CEIA, and Leidos, to maximise the checkpoint’s safety and efficiency, facilitating a seamless passenger experience.
The future JFK T6 security checkpoint will use advanced screening technologies such as Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray screening to streamline passenger flow while providing the highest security standards.
Automated bin return systems will facilitate the movement of Passenger carry-ons, while enhanced Advanced Imaging Technology (eAIT) will be able to detect both metallic and non-metallic objects concealed in layers of clothing or on the body in the span of 1.5 seconds – considerably faster than previous technologies.
The new checkpoint will also feature Credential Authentication Technology 2 (CAT2), which will provide automated identity verification to validate the authenticity of a passenger’s identification credentials and identify individuals who may require additional screening.
“Security screening plays an essential role in keeping our passengers safe and our airports secure – however, it can also be one of the more stressful parts of the passenger journey,” said Steve Thody, CEO, JFK Millennium Partners. “Working closely with the TSA, our future T6 security checkpoint will utilise the latest screening technologies provided by K2 and its partners to expedite T6 passengers through the checkpoint, ultimately providing a significantly improved guest experience while enhancing security in parallel.”
Walkthrough security scanners become reality at Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Germany has become the first gateway in the world to regularly use walkthrough scanners for passenger security checks.
Following a roughly one-year test phase at Concourse A in Terminal 1, the German Federal Police have authorised the full-scale use of the Rohde & Schwarz QPS Walk2000 air travel security system.
It is claimed that the QPS Walk2000 provides significantly greater comfort and convenience at security checks, as instead of having to freeze in an awkward posture for scanning, travellers can simply walk through the scanner at a normal speed.
About 18,000 departing passengers commute through this checkpoint daily.
Going forward, the plan is to extend the use of this technology to additional security check lanes in Terminal 1 and also deploy it in the new Terminal 3.
“We’re the world’s first airport to set a new standard of passenger security with this 360° walkthrough scanner,” says Alexander Laukenmann, head of Fraport AG’s aviation division.
“During the test phase we worked closely with the German Federal Police to optimise its operation and pave the way for its certification.
“This is part of our ongoing efforts to improve the passenger experience by using the latest technologies to make checkpoints faster and easier to navigate while upholding our high standard of security. A special thank you goes to the whole project team.”
The millimetre-wave technology used in the QPS Walk2000 scanners also penetrates clothing while an avatar pinpoints potentially dangerous objects in real time.
New security scanners at Edinburgh Airport
All passengers passing through Edinburgh Airport can now keep liquids and large electricals in their bags, thanks to the completion of a multi-million-pound project to install new security scanners.
Eight new scanners have been installed, transforming the security hall by adding an additional two lanes. This completely modernises the process thanks to the new technology, which is also in place at other VINCI Airports as part of their approach to innovation.
The £24 million investment will allow passengers to move through security even quicker than they currently do, while also elevating the level of passenger and staff safety due to the use of 3D functionality.
Liquids still need to be 100ml or under but can remain in bags.
This means the airport will no longer issue single-use plastic bags, delivering a sustainability benefit through the project.
Michael Hering, head of security at Edinburgh Airport, said: “This will be welcome news for the millions of passengers who travel through Edinburgh Airport every year, and we’re glad to be able to complete this project and speed up the process.
“We’ve invested almost £24 million to install this cutting-edge technology to improve the overall experience for passengers, and 97% of passengers are already passing through in under 10 minutes.
“It’s also important to note that our high safety levels have been maintained and improved on due to the 3D technology, meaning it is a faster, more secure process in time for peak summer.”
