Why Hong Kong Airport is Enhancing Safety and Speed With New Security Measures

Saturday, June 29, 2024

Hong Kong Airport is poised to significantly enhance the flying experience with a substantial security upgrade costing HKD 800 million (USD 102 million). Over the next two years, the airport plans to introduce 50 new smart security screening lanes and 32 advanced full-body scanners. This modernization will allow travelers to keep electronics and liquids in their hand luggage during security checks, removing a common inconvenience.

Currently, Hong Kong Airport’s security facilities include 35 lanes, each capable of processing 240 passengers per hour. Post-upgrade, this will be streamlined to 28 lanes, yet each will handle 360 passengers per hour, boosting efficiency.

The upgrade features several advanced technologies, such as an automated baggage handling system that can serve three passengers simultaneously, and a cutting-edge computerized tomography (CT) X-ray machine, which will replace older scanners. This new equipment will reduce screening times from 15 to 10 seconds and will produce three-dimensional images of carry-on items for thorough examination. Although travelers won’t need to remove liquids and electronics for screening, restrictions on carrying liquids over 100 ml will still apply.