Vienna Airport lifts 100-milliliter rule from July 3 – 25 million euro investment in CT scanners

According to the airport, the investment amounts to around 25 million euros. The conversion also significantly changes the procedures at the control points. In the future, liquids can remain in carry-on luggage and no longer need to be presented separately. Electronic devices such as laptops and smartphones as well as liquids can remain in carry-on luggage and no longer need to be presented separately, as the airport explained in a press release.

The new devices work with computed tomography and create three-dimensional images of the carry-on luggage. Compared to conventional X-ray machines, they can analyze liquids more precisely. Vienna Airport expects faster and more comfortable checks with shorter waiting times for passengers as a result.

International comparison

Internationally, the conversion is not an isolated case. Airports in Amsterdam, Dublin, Munich, Stockholm, and Krakow have already partially installed CT systems. In Italy, Rome-Fiumicino, Milan-Malpensa, and Milan-Linate are already using the new technology. Many other international airports, however, continue to adhere to the 100-milliliter limit.

Vienna Airport nevertheless recommends that travelers transport liquids in smaller containers. These experience has shown lead to fewer follow-up checks and enable the smoothest possible process at the security checkpoint. Suspicious items of luggage can still be checked manually according to the airport. Items such as food, creams, honey, jams, and thermos flasks can also continue to trigger follow-up checks.

What travelers need to know

According to the airport, the new CT scanners will also be used in the new Terminal 3 South, whose opening is planned for the second quarter of 2027. The airport also points out that for return flights or connecting flights, the respective regulations of the departure or destination airport must be observed. In Germany, deviating rules may apply at some airports depending on the terminal.

Outlook on Terminal 3 South

With the full commissioning of 35 new CT scanners, Vienna is one of the first major European hubs to comprehensively abolish the old liquid limit. Passengers benefit on the one hand from shorter waiting times, but on the other hand must find out about the applicable regulations before each flight – especially for connections via other airports that continue to apply the 100-milliliter limit.

Vienna Airport sees itself well prepared for rising passenger numbers thanks to the modernization and is positioning itself in competition with other European hub airports. CT technology is considered forward-looking, as it not only improves the detection of hazardous substances but also accelerates the entire screening process. Travelers should note, however, that manual follow-up checks remain possible in the case of suspicious items.