Vienna Airport scraps 100ml liquid rule with new CT scanners by summer

Vienna Airport is set to remove the 100-millilitre liquid limit for carry-on baggage by this summer. The change follows a €25 million investment in new CT scanner technology, which will also be installed in the expanded Terminal 3 by 2027. The upgrade aligns with similar rollouts across Europe, where major airports have already adopted the system.

The new screening technology uses computed tomography (CT) to create detailed 3D images of luggage. This allows passengers to leave liquids and electronic devices inside their bags during security checks. The scanners can handle containers up to two litres—far beyond the current 100-millilitre restriction.

Vienna's full transition to the system must finish before the updated liquid rules take effect. The rollout is expected to complete by summer, promising shorter queues at security. Meanwhile, the southern expansion of Terminal 3, opening in mid-2027, will also feature these scanners. At least 18 European airports have already implemented the technology, including Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich, Madrid, Rome, Barcelona, Prague, and London Heathrow. Across 21 EU countries and the UK, around 700 scanners are now in use or being installed. Germany's major hubs, such as Frankfurt and Berlin, have led the adoption alongside airports in Italy and Spain.

The shift to CT scanners will streamline security procedures at Vienna Airport. Passengers will no longer need to remove liquids or electronics from their bags once the system is fully operational. The upgrade reflects a broader trend, with airports across Europe adopting the same technology to improve efficiency and convenience.