Hong Kong Airport Passengers Can Now Keep Liquids, Electronics Carry-ons Thanks to Security Upgrade
Tired travelers often whine about airport security measures like removing shoes and discarding unopened water bottles. This can be especially frustrating for a mode of transportation known for long queues and even longer delays. But things are changing – at least in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong International Airport announced that it will soon allow passengers to keep liquids and electronic devices in their carry-on luggage during security checks (via South China Morning Post).
This new policy, effective next week, follows a major upgrade to the airport’s security system, costing HK$800 million (US$102 million) and involving the implementation of advanced smart screening technology.
(Photo : ISAAC LAWRENCE/AFP via Getty Images) A man (R) sleeps with a towl on his face at Hong Kong International Airport on July 6, 2023.
Hong Kong Airport Implements Major Changes in Security Screening
The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) announced that the new smart security screening system would be introduced in phases over the next two years.
This comprehensive upgrade includes the installation of 50 new smart screening channels and 32 full-body scanners, making HKIA the world’s first airport to fully adopt such an advanced security system.
One of the primary goals of the upgrade is to increase the airport’s departure screening capacity by 20%, enabling the processing of approximately 10,000 passengers.
Initially, four new security channels will be installed at the south and north departure halls in Terminal 1. Currently, the airport has 35 security lanes, each handling 240 passengers per hour.
With the new smart system, the number of lanes will be reduced to 28, but each will be capable of processing 360 passengers per hour, significantly enhancing efficiency.
The new system introduces several technological innovations to streamline the security process. These include automated baggage handling trays designed to accommodate three people simultaneously and new CT X-ray machines that generate three-dimensional images for analysis.
This advanced technology reduces scanning times from 15 to 10 seconds and eliminates the need for passengers to remove electronic devices and liquids (under 100ml) from their luggage.
Moreover, the full-body scanners will replace the current manual checks for passengers who set off metal detector arches, reducing physical contact and enhancing privacy. Only a simple outline of the body will be shown on the screen to protect passengers’ privacy.
Airport Smart Security Trend
These upgrades aim not only to enhance security but also to improve the overall passenger experience. The smart system includes features such as auto tray recirculation, tray sterilization, and automatic alerts for uncollected items
To ensure the smooth operation of the new system, the airport said that about 3,100 staff members have already been trained.
The introduction of smart security screening at HKIA is part of a broader trend in airport security technology around the world. In 2022, the UK government mandated that all major airports install high-tech security scanners by June 2024.
President Trump on Wednesday sent a message to cattle ranchers defending his tariff policies and urging American ranchers to lower their prices. “The Cattle Ranchers, who I love, don’t unders…
new video loaded: Vance Says He’s Optimistic Gaza’s Cease-Fire Would Hold transcript Back transcript Vance Says He’s Optimistic Gaza’s Cease-Fire Would Hold Vice President JD Vance met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel in Jerusalem and said that he was optimistic the Gaza cease-fire will hold. Recent flare-ups of violence in Gaza underscored the
La Liga’s dreams of hosting a domestic clash between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami were abruptly shattered after a wave of protest denounced the historic first. Bringing a Spanish top-flight clash, featuring one of the biggest clubs in Spain, to the United States has interested La Liga president Javier Tebas for years. The promised financial
new video loaded: Louvre Museum Reopens After Jewel Heist transcript Back transcript Louvre Museum Reopens After Jewel Heist Patrons of the reopened Louvre, the world’s most-visited museum, expressed astonishment and intrigue over the daytime heist of jewelry worth more than $100 million that had led to its closure. “It was astonishing.” “Especially how quickly —”
Jannik Sinner was on song with a Vienna waltz over beleaguered opponent Daniel Altmaier at the Erste Bank Open to maintain his year-end No 1 hopes. Sinner wasted little time in soaring past Germany’s Altmaier 6-0 6-2 to record his quickest victory of 2025. The top seed and 2023 Vienna champion overwhelmed Altmaier, racing to
San Francisco, CA – October 22, 2025 – US chipmaker Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) is reportedly in the process of ceasing its supply of server chips to Chinese data centers, a strategic withdrawal directly stemming from a 2023 ban imposed by the Chinese government. This move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing technological tensions
Israeli lawmakers on Wednesday voted in favour of advancing two bills on annexing the occupied West Bank, an ambition openly promoted by far-right ministers in recent months. The Israeli national flag flutters as apartments are seen in the background in the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.(REUTERS File) The vote came
