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.
Is the US dollar carving a higher low for the first time in 2025? Get all of the details on the DXY, EURUSD, GBPUSD, USDJPY, and the Yen Basket of Currencies in today’s forecast. The GBPUSD analysis is a must-see. US Dollar Index (DXY) Forecast The DXY closed last week just above the 98.90 level,
Andy Walker / Android Authority People were understandably upset when Google revamped its weather app and removed its lovable weather frog. Rain or shine, froggie was always ready to greet visitors looking for the day’s conditions. However, with the launch of the Pixel 9 and the introduction of Pixel Weather, the frog moved to the
Bernie Sanders warned of the US’s slide into authoritarianism following Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the national guard to Los Angeles over the city’s protests against federal immigration raids. Speaking to CNN on Sunday, the leftwing Vermont senator said: “We have a president who is moving this country rapidly into authoritarianism … My understanding is
Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Chairman Frank Wu urged China to abandon its controversial “united front” operations, saying that such tactics, alongside political interference and military provocations, only provoke resentment among the Taiwanese people. Speaking at the seventh SEF board meeting held in Taipei on Friday, Wu emphasised that “United front” is a commonplace phrase in
A fitness enthusiast has revealed the first ‘normal’ symptoms he endured which ended up being cancer. Joe Fornasiero, a fitness fanatic from Brighton, Michigan, led a fit and healthy lifestyle for more than two decades when he was diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer, Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT). The cancer is so rare
