Dublin Airport's New Scanners: What To Expect

Dublin Airport has introduced new 3D security scanners to speed up security checks and improve the overall experience for passengers. The new C3 scanners will replace traditional baggage x-ray machines and will provide instant 3D images of bag contents, allowing passengers to keep liquids and electronics inside their cabin bags. The airport operator, DAA, has set a deadline of October 2025 to replace all scanners in both terminals, with a regulatory deadline of 31 December 2025. This rollout is part of Dublin Airport's efforts to enhance security and address passenger feedback, aiming to get 90% of passengers through security in less than 20 minutes.

Dublin Airport's new 3D security scanners

Dublin Airport has introduced new 3D security scanners to enhance security checks and improve passengers' overall experience. The new C3 scanners will replace the traditional baggage x-ray machines and provide instant 3D images of the bags' contents, similar to CT scans in hospitals. This technology will significantly impact travellers' experience, as they will no longer need to remove liquids or electronics from their hand luggage.

The new scanners will also speed up security queues, especially during peak holiday months when around 10 million people travel through Dublin Airport. The airport operator, State company DAA, pledged to improve standards and address passengers' concerns, as highlighted by the new passenger panel. By May 2024, it was predicted that there would be 10 C3 scanners in Terminal 2 and up to four in Terminal 1, with a pause in installations during the busy summer months.

The C3 scanners are not only a significant upgrade for detection standards but also for improving the overall passenger experience. With the new scanners, passengers will no longer need to worry about the 100ml liquid restriction, although this rule remains in place until all the new scanners are installed. Dublin Airport expects to have all scanners replaced in both terminals by October 2025, ahead of the regulatory deadline of December 31, 2025.

The rollout of the new 3D scanners is part of Dublin Airport's commitment to enhancing its security measures and improving the overall airport experience for its passengers. The airport is also reminding travellers to continue preparing for security screening as normal until all the new scanners are in place and any changes to security rules will be communicated in advance.

C3 scanners to replace baggage x-ray machines

Dublin Airport has introduced new C3 scanners to replace traditional baggage x-ray machines. The new 3D scanners will provide security staff with an instant image of a bag's contents, meaning quicker security checks and an end to liquid restrictions. The C3 scanners will also allow passengers to leave liquids and laptops inside their cabin bags.

The new scanners will speed up security queues at Dublin Airport, which is set to handle around 10 million passengers during the peak holiday months. The airport operator, DAA, has pledged to improve standards at the airport and aims to get 90% of passengers through security in less than 20 minutes.

The rollout of the new C3 scanners began in April 2024, with one-third of the airport's existing X-ray scanners already replaced. The airport is on track to have replaced all scanners in both terminals by October 2025, ahead of the regulatory deadline of 31 December 2025.

The C3 scanners are considered cutting-edge technology and offer the best detection standards and passenger experience. They work similarly to CT scanners in hospitals, generating 3D images of bags. The new scanners are larger and heavier than the existing machines, requiring some reconfiguration works to accommodate them.

While the new scanners will eventually lead to the end of liquid restrictions, passengers are advised to continue following the current restrictions until all machines are installed. Normal rules will apply during the busy summer season, and the installation process will be paused during the peak months of June, July, and August.

Improved security and passenger experience

Dublin Airport has introduced new 3D security scanners, which will improve security and enhance the overall passenger experience. The new C3 scanners will replace the traditional baggage X-ray machines, providing instant 3D images of bag contents. This technology will significantly speed up the security process, as passengers will no longer need to remove liquids or electronics from their bags.

The new scanners will "future-proof" security at the airport, according to Kevin Cullinane, the DAA's Group Head of Communications. The advanced technology will improve detection standards and streamline the security process for passengers. The C3 scanners are larger and heavier than the previous machines, requiring some reconfiguration work to accommodate them.

The installation of the new scanners is part of Dublin Airport's commitment to enhancing the overall passenger experience. The airport operator, DAA, has been working to address issues and implement improvements based on passenger feedback. This includes addressing concerns regarding medical ailments and providing additional training for frontline staff.

The new scanners will also bring an end to the long-standing liquid restrictions. Once all the scanners are installed, passengers will be able to bring liquids without restrictions on bottle size, as long as they are stored within cabin baggage. This change will not only improve convenience for passengers but also provide additional flexibility and peace of mind during their travels.

The rollout of the new C3 scanners is well underway, with a supply and support partnership agreed with Smiths Detection Ltd. The agreement includes the installation of C3 scanners at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with a planned completion date of October 2025. This timeline is ahead of the regulatory deadline of December 31, 2025, demonstrating Dublin Airport's proactive approach to enhancing security and the passenger experience.

Scanners to end liquid restrictions

Dublin Airport is set to introduce new scanners to speed up security queues. The new C3 scanners will cut the need to remove liquids and electronics from hand luggage, improving the passenger experience.

The C3 scanners, which work like CT scanners in hospitals, create a 3D image of the bag's contents, allowing security staff to check for prohibited items in greater detail. This state-of-the-art technology is already in place at Shannon Airport in Ireland and is being rolled out at other airports across the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America.

The new scanners will end the 16-year-long ban on liquids over 100ml in hand luggage. The current liquid restrictions were introduced in 2006 after a foiled terrorist plot to bomb several planes between the United Kingdom and North America using liquid explosives. The restrictions have long been a source of frustration for travellers, who have had to ensure their liquids comply with the 100ml limit and are placed in a clear plastic bag for screening.

While the new scanners will improve convenience and security, the implementation has faced challenges. Many airports, particularly in the UK, have struggled to install the new equipment due to supply chain delays and construction difficulties caused by the weight of the machines. As a result, the planned relaxation of liquid rules has been delayed, with airports being granted a 12-month extension to complete the installation. Despite this, the new scanners are expected to enhance aviation security and improve the overall travel experience for passengers.

Installation and rollout timeline

Dublin Airport has been undergoing a rollout of new 3D security scanners, which will eventually replace all of the airport's existing X-ray scanners. The new C3 scanners will bring about several benefits, including quicker security checks and an end to liquid restrictions.

By May 2024, it was predicted that there would be 10 C3 scanners installed in Terminal 2 and up to four in Terminal 1 by the end of the month. Installation works were then expected to pause for the summer months of June, July, and August, before resuming in September.

As of April 2024, around one-third of the airport's 30+ existing X-ray scanners had already been replaced by the new C3 scanners. The airport was on track to have replaced all scanners in both terminals by October 2025, ahead of the regulatory deadline of 31 December 2025.

By November 2024, it was reported that nine C3 scanners had been installed in Terminal 2, and the installation work in this terminal was expected to continue through the summer. In contrast, Terminal 1 would see a pause in installations during the busy summer months, with four C3 scanners operational by the end of May. Reinforcement works were required in Terminal 1 to accommodate the heavier C3 machines. The full installation of C3 scanners in Terminal 1 was projected to be completed by October 2025.

The rollout of the new scanners is part of Dublin Airport's efforts to improve the passenger experience and address issues raised by travellers. Passengers are advised to continue preparing for security screening as normal until all scanners have been replaced.

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