Behind the Scenes: Zurich Airport’s Hidden Accessibility & Maintenance Secrets

Zurich Airport will officially remove current liquid restrictions for carry-on luggage on Friday, June 26, 2026. The change follows the full implementation of advanced Computed Tomography (CT) scanning technology across all security checkpoints, allowing passengers to carry larger volumes of liquids through security.

The update ends the long-standing requirement that liquids, gels, and aerosols be limited to containers of 100 milliliters or less and placed in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag. According to airport officials, the new scanners can identify prohibited items with higher precision, eliminating the need for passengers to remove liquids or electronic devices from their bags.

How will the new liquid rules work?

Passengers will no longer need to separate liquids into small bottles or use transparent bags. The new CT scanners create a three-dimensional image of the bag’s contents, which security personnel can rotate and analyze on a screen. This technology allows the system to distinguish between harmless liquids and potential threats based on density and material composition.

While the 100-milliliter limit is being scrapped, airport security maintains the authority to perform manual searches if a scan produces an ambiguous result. Officials stated that the transition aims to reduce congestion at checkpoints and decrease the volume of discarded liquids and plastics.

Why is Zurich Airport changing its security process?

The primary driver for the change is the deployment of CT technology, which provides a significant upgrade over traditional two-dimensional X-ray machines. Traditional scanners require liquids and electronics to be removed because these items can block the view of other objects in the bag, creating “blind spots” for operators.

By using 3D imaging, the new system removes these obstructions. Airport management indicated that the investment in these scanners is intended to increase passenger throughput and improve the overall travel experience. The rollout is part of a broader modernization effort to align Zurich Airport with international security standards and improve efficiency during peak travel periods.

How does this compare to previous security standards?

The 100-milliliter rule was established globally in 2006 following a foiled plot to blow up aircraft using liquid explosives. For two decades, this limit remained a standard across nearly all major international hubs, regardless of the scanning technology in place.

The shift at Zurich Airport mirrors a gradual trend across Europe. Some airports in the United Kingdom and Germany have previously introduced similar CT-based systems. However, the full removal of the limit has often been delayed by the need for total infrastructure replacement across every security lane to ensure a consistent passenger experience.

A comparison of the two systems shows a clear difference in passenger requirements:

What happens next for passengers?

Starting June 26, 2026, passengers at Zurich Airport can keep their toiletries, perfumes, and other liquids in their original containers. Airport staff will be stationed at checkpoints during the first several weeks of implementation to guide travelers through the new process.

Security personnel noted that while the liquid limit is gone, other prohibited items—such as weapons or flammable materials—remain strictly banned. The airport expects the new process to significantly shorten wait times, particularly during the summer holiday rush.