In a move set to transform air travel across the United Kingdom, Edinburgh Airport has become the first Scottish airport to install new high-tech 3D security scanners that will allow passengers to keep liquids, laptops, and tablets in their hand luggage during security screening.

This development marks a major step forward in both convenience and efficiency, reducing one of the most frustrating elements of airport security for travelers and staff alike.

The Change: What It Means for Travelers

Traditionally, air travelers in the UK and most of the world have been required to remove all liquids from their carry-on bags and limit them to 100ml per container. These liquids then had to be placed in clear plastic bags for separate screening. In addition, electronic devices such as laptops and tablets also had to be removed from hand luggage and scanned individually. This routine, established in response to security threats in the mid-2000s, has become an accepted—though often unpopular—part of flying.

With the introduction of Computed Tomography (CT) scanners at Edinburgh Airport, this is changing. The new technology produces high-resolution 3D images of the contents of luggage, similar to those used in medical CT scans. This allows security staff to inspect bags more thoroughly without requiring passengers to unpack them. In practical terms, travelers can now leave liquids, electronics, and other previously restricted items inside their bags, and they will still be scanned effectively.

How the New Scanners Work

The key advancement behind this policy change is the CT scanner’s imaging capability. Unlike traditional X-ray machines that provide flat, two-dimensional images, CT scanners rotate around luggage to produce a detailed 3D image. This enables security staff to zoom in and examine objects from multiple angles without opening the bag. Algorithms also assist in identifying suspicious items, reducing the margin for human error.

CT scanning technology isn’t entirely new. It has been tested and used in a few airports globally, including some terminals in the United States and Europe. But its broader rollout in UK airports represents a significant upgrade in aviation security infrastructure. Edinburgh is leading the charge in Scotland, but the UK government has set a 2026 deadline for all major airports to adopt this technology.

Benefits for Passengers and Airports

The most obvious benefit for travelers is speed and simplicity. No more unpacking liquids or electronics means faster screening times, fewer delays, and less stress—especially for families, business travelers, and those with tight schedules. Removing the 100ml rule will also allow passengers to carry full-sized toiletries or bottles of water, which is not just a convenience, but could potentially reduce plastic waste from single-use travel bottles.

For airport operations, the benefits are just as important. Faster screening reduces bottlenecks at security, allows more passengers to be processed in less time, and improves the overall flow through terminals. In the long term, this can increase airport capacity without requiring major infrastructure expansions. Staff efficiency is also improved, with fewer trays to handle and a reduced need to physically check bags.

Security and Safety Remain a Priority

Despite the increased convenience, the primary driver behind the shift is not comfort but security. The CT scanners are better at detecting explosives, weapons, and other prohibited items than current X-ray machines. The 3D images allow for more accurate and faster threat detection, making air travel not just more efficient but also safer.

Edinburgh Airport’s management emphasized that safety remains paramount. The new scanners have undergone rigorous testing and certification by the UK’s Department for Transport. Security protocols are also being adjusted to support the new technology, including retraining staff to use the new systems and interpret the images effectively.

The Bigger Picture: A UK-Wide Rollout

Edinburgh Airport is the first in Scotland to complete the installation, but it is part of a nationwide transition. Other major UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester, are in various stages of adopting the technology. The UK government announced in 2019 that all major airports must have the new CT scanners in place by mid-2026. However, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed implementation, and airports have since been working to catch up.

This rollout aligns the UK with other international hubs that have already adopted similar technology, including Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam and several airports in the US. As more airports upgrade, global standards are beginning to shift. The UK’s decision to end the 100ml liquid rule and allow electronics to remain in bags could eventually influence international aviation norms, though for now, travelers will still need to follow the rules of their departure and destination airports.

Potential Challenges

While the benefits are clear, the transition is not without challenges. The cost of installing CT scanners is significant, estimated to be in the tens of millions of pounds across the UK. Each scanner is far more expensive than conventional X-ray machines, and installation requires changes to existing infrastructure, from security lanes to power supply.

There is also the matter of passenger education. Many travelers may be unaware of the change or may continue following old habits out of caution or confusion. Airports will need to clearly communicate the new rules and provide guidance to ensure smooth adoption.

Public and Industry Reaction

Reaction to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive. Travelers welcome the change as a long-overdue upgrade that brings airport security in line with modern technology and customer expectations. Travel industry experts also view it as a competitive advantage for airports that can move passengers more quickly and comfortably through terminals.

Airlines have expressed support as well, noting that shorter security queues can lead to more on-time departures and fewer missed flights. For airports like Edinburgh, which handle millions of passengers each year, these kinds of improvements can have a major impact on customer satisfaction and operational performance.

Conclusion

The installation of 3D CT scanners at Edinburgh Airport represents a major advancement in airport security and passenger convenience. By allowing travelers to keep liquids, laptops, and tablets in their hand luggage, the airport is removing one of the most inconvenient parts of air travel. At the same time, the technology offers enhanced security screening capabilities that better detect threats and reduce human error.

As more airports across the UK follow Edinburgh’s lead, passengers can expect a more streamlined and less stressful experience. Though challenges remain in terms of cost, infrastructure, and communication, the long-term benefits for travelers, staff, and the wider travel industry make this a welcome and forward-thinking change.