From 2024, passages through security at Spanish airports will hopefully be much faster and more efficient, putting an end to one of the biggest hassles for passengers. A new security system will be installed through scanners state-of-the-art equipment with X-ray, which will allow passengers to enter without having to remove liquids, laptops and other electronic devices at the checkpoints.
The Spanish airport manager, AENA, confirmed the acquisition of new machines that will track luggage without having to open it or remove items.
The debut will be at Madrid (Barajas) and Barcelona (El Prat) airports, through which almost half of the country’s passenger air traffic passes. Still in 2024, it will be Palma de Mallorca’s turn; followed by Malaga, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura. By 2028, all old controls must have been replaced by the new system in all terminals managed by AENA.
“The new X-ray technology will generate high resolution 3D images”, summarized the company in a statement, confirming data previously disclosed by the Spanish newspaper the country. adding that electronic devices and liquids will no longer have to be removed from baggage for screening.
There are still some doubts about some of the points related to liquids, which are also a nuisance for many people, such as the 100ml limit in individual packages enclosed in a transparent plastic bag, up to a maximum of 1l. This measure should remain in force until it is changed throughout the European Union, as it forms part of international regulations.
The revolution in Spanish airport security also includes automated lines for managing hand luggage and a remote inspection system, allowing agents to carry out inspection work from a distance, the newspaper said. The luggage management system analyzes and checks the bags in detail, removing all those that are identified as dubious or that present some level of risk due to their content; the bags automatically return to the straps and continue their journey to the passenger without the latter having to interfere.
AENA had announced at the beginning of the year, funding of 800 million euros, via the European Investment Bank, for “security and innovation projects” at Spanish airports.
Also in the United Kingdom, the next airport year could start with fewer problems and samples of liquids and devices: the order is for all airports to implement the same system by 2024.
However, it should be noted that until then all measures remain in force traditional safety measures in relation to liquids and beyond (the AENA summarizes them hereANA – Aeroportos de Portugal here)
Liquids, a problem since 2006
For nearly two decades, all passengers have had increased concerns about liquids. The restrictions came into effect across the EU on 6 November 2006, following the discovery of an alleged terrorist plot by British authorities to blow up planes using liquids on board. Now a habit, the first days of implementation of the then new security measures were a headache at many airports and, also in Portugal, the cause of many delays (a memory of the first day: report here, in PÚBLICO).