Prague Airport Is Planning Gradual X-ray Replacements from 2024 and More Convenient Security Screening for Passengers

Václav Havel Airport Prague Terminal 2 security screening should gradually become more convenient by 2026. Passing the X-ray screening with hand baggage, passengers will not have to worry about how much liquid they can carry, and at the same time they will be able to leave electronic devices in their bags. These are the expected outcomes of Prague Airport’s new project of exchanging detection technologies.

The goal is to increase passenger comfort during security checks, as explains Radek Kučera, Prague Airport Security Executive Director. “The plan is to acquire X-rays with computed tomography, which allow liquids and all electronic devices to be left inside the baggage. Thanks to this technology, it will also be possible to relax the rule on the declaration and transport of liquids with a volume limitation of up to 100 millilitres.”

Prague Airport plans to gradually implement these X-rays in the security screening process at Terminal 2 between 2024 and 2026. Due to the spatial limitations of decentralised security checks at Terminal 1, it is currently not possible to implement these devices in the security check process of passengers departing to destinations outside the Schengen area. “Implementation of new X-rays in Terminal 1 is conditioned by construction modifications and further development of the airport,” Kučera adds. The airport has therefore included toilets and drinking fountains in selected gates.

Passengers can currently carry aboard the aircraft liquids in containers with a maximum volume of 100 millilitres. All containers must be placed in one transparent resealable plastic bag with a maximum volume of one litre per person.

The liquid limit was introduced in 2006. At that time, the British police announced that they successfully prevented attacks on aircraft headed to the USA, in which terrorists allegedly wanted to use explosives made on board from liquids. Therefore, the transport of larger volumes of liquids and gels is prohibited.