Dubai Airport security just got quicker: No more unpacking laptops, liquids

Dubai: Good news for travellers flying through Dubai International Airport (DXB)! Getting through security is set to become much smoother and quicker, thanks to a major upgrade in screening technology installed across all terminals.

Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) has officially awarded a contract to Smiths Detection to deploy state-of-the-art checkpoint scanners throughout Terminals 1, 2, and 3. DAEP is the agency responsible for the design, master-planning, infrastructure development and construction of Dubai's aviation sector.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said in a statement, "Dubai continues to lead the world in aviation excellence by investing in the latest security screening technologies."

"This project strengthens passenger safety, enhances the travel experience, and reinforces Dubai's reputation as a global aviation hub," he said.

The rollout, starting soon, will see the installation of advanced HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model-S computed tomography (CT) scanners.

What does this mean for passengers?

The biggest change is that passengers will no longer need to remove electronics like laptops or liquids from their carry-on bags at the security checkpoint.

These scanners use high-resolution 3D imaging, allowing security personnel to get a detailed look inside travellers bag without them having to unpack. This technology, already certified by international bodies like the US's Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), is designed to significantly speed up the security process and reduce queues, making your journey through the airport more convenient.

Key features of the new system:

The new systems also come equipped with smart features:

• Software that helps automatically identify objects

• Intelligent lane management combined with automated tray return systems

As Dubai International Airport (DXB) continues to break records as the world's busiest airport for international travel, handling millions of passengers each month, the need for efficient and high-capacity infrastructure is the need of the hour. This relentless growth places significant pressure on existing operational choke points like security checkpoints.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said the new scanners are an investment in operational efficiency and the safety of millions of travellers as Dubai builds the airport of the future.

This project also forms part of Dubai’s broader strategy for intelligent airport transformation, especially ahead of Dubai Airports' eventual transition to a $35 billion mega-hub to Al Maktoum International or Dubai World Central (DWC) by the end of the decade.

Meanwhile, Suzanne Al Anani, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, said, "This project exemplifies our proactive approach to enabling safe, seamless, and high-capacity travel through the integration of smart, advanced technologies."

In earlier interviews with Gulf News, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths has consistently emphasized the need for a more efficient and personalised airport experience.

The new airport is being designed with future growth in mind, with a capacity of 260 million passengers making it the world's largest airport. 

The UAE has been investing heavily in aviation technology. For example, at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, they've implemented seamless face recognition check-in process throughout" that "takes just moments for you to basically do the security clearance. 

Similar advanced technologies would likely be incorporated into Al Maktoum International Airport.