Dubai Airport Upgrades Security With New CT Scanners For Fast Screening
Dubai International Airport is now installing new CT security scanners to make the screening process much easier for travelers. Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths confirmed the phased rollout on August 27, 2026, to replace older equipment.
- New scanners let passengers keep laptops, tablets, and liquids inside hand baggage.
- Smiths Detection HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model-S scanners are installed after a May 2025 contract.
- Systems use 3D imaging for fast and smooth security checks.
How The New Scanners Work
The new ECAC C3-approved systems use Computed Tomography imaging to give a high-resolution 3D view. Security staff can inspect baggage from multiple angles digitally to make the process faster and smoother. This technology may also reduce the need for passengers to remove shoes or belts in the future.
Important Passenger Rules
The rollout is gradual, so both old and new equipment are still in use across the airport. Passengers must follow the specific instructions given by security staff at their assigned lane. Current public guidance still requires liquid containers to be 100ml or less in clear resealable plastic bags. Traditional rules like removing metal-buckle belts, boots, or heels may still apply at non-upgraded checkpoints, and the 100ml limit stays in effect.
Impact On Travelers And Traffic
This upgrade is very important for Indian travelers because India is DXB's largest country market. Official Q1 2026 data shows 2.5 million Indian passengers used the airport in the first three months after 11.9 million in 2025. Mumbai remains a very busy city link with 520,000 passengers in Q1 2026. The H1 2026 update shows DXB handled 31.5 million passengers between January and June, with 99.34 percent clearing security in under five minutes. Dubai Airports is adding this technology alongside self-service options, biometric processing, and smart passenger-flow management. Passengers must arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight and follow all security directions.