Photo: Cologne Bonn
German regional hub, Cologne Bonn, has revealed that it expects to complete its security checkpoint modernisation programme by next summer.
The airport is investing around EUR 25 million in its upgrade, which will see it convert completely to CT scanners during the security screening process.
While Cologne Bonn has not confirmed who is supplying the CT scanning equipment, on 3 November, Smiths Detection confirmed that the German Federal Police Technology Centre has certified its proprietary iCMORE Automated Prohibited Items Detection System (APIDS) for use at airport security checkpoints in Germany. Coverage applies to HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX in the certified configuration.
Photo: Smiths Detection
“This certification is another forward step for aviation security, operational efficiency and the passenger experience,” said Cymoril Metivier, Global Digital Portfolio Director at Smiths Detection. “With iCMORE APIDS delivering proven results on CT, passengers will know with certainty that they are protected with world-leading precision while airport operators gain a transformational uplift in efficiency.”
Cologne Bonn is the first airport in Germany to equip all security lanes with state-of-the-art CT technology as part of its renovation, which includes a complete revamp of the security screening area.
“The safety of our passengers, employees and visitors is always our top priority,” said Thilo Schmid, Chairman of the Management Board of Flughafen Kolm/ Bonn.
“At the same time, we are investing in a new security checkpoint for passengers, which will be one of the most modern facilities in Europe.”
He also noted that the investment of around ERU25 million “offers tangible added value for passengers at our airport: thanks to the new technology and the new ambience, processes will be more convenient and the travel experience even more pleasant. This also strengthens the attractiveness of the location and our competitive position.”
The renovation will be conducted in phases, allowing for the highest level of security to be maintained at all times. The airport is working closely with the Federal Police responsible for aviation security and the security service provider deployed at the checkpoint throughout the renovation.
With the first new lanes with the CT technology slated to go live at the beginning of 2026, the entire facility will be equipped with a total of 11 lanes by next summer. The scanners will allow passengers to leave their liquids, laptops and other electronic devices in their hand baggage when going through security. The modification will also create conditions allowing passengers to carry up to two litres of liquid in their hand luggage once authorised by EU regulations.
Cenk Özöztürk, Managing Director at Cologne Bonn, added that the renovation of the security checkpoint specifically promotes the further optimisation of processes to make the passenger journey smooth and stress-free. “We are creating a service that ideally combines security and comfort, and are consistently continuing on the path towards an increasingly digital airport world. This also includes, for example, the continuous expansion of modern self-bag drop stations and the digital twin of our airport, which we use to test new technologies and processes in advance.”
