Warsaw’s Chopin Airport is set to complete the installation of advanced security scanners by the end of November, weeks ahead of the original deadline, according to Spider’s Web – technologie. The upgrade will finally end the long-standing restriction on carrying liquids over 100ml in hand luggage.
The modernisation project began in spring this year, with airport authorities initially announcing in May that the phased rollout would continue until December. The staged approach was designed to avoid disruption to passenger processing during the work.
By mid-September, the airport confirmed that more than half of the planned scanners had already been installed and that the entire project remained on schedule. Officials said at the time that the new equipment had already noticeably improved both comfort and throughput at security checkpoints.
“Thanks to a meticulously prepared and conducted modernisation process, we have avoided disruptions related to the replacement of entire security control lines. At the same time, today we can already feel that the latest devices have significantly improved the comfort and capacity of our security control zones,” the airport said in a statement.
Work progressing faster than expected
According to fly4free.pl, cited by Spider’s Web, the installation has recently accelerated considerably. The travel portal reports that all scanners will be fitted and authorised for use by the end of November, rather than the 20 December deadline originally set.
Once the rollout is complete, the liquid limit will be lifted across the entire airport, regardless of which part of the terminal passengers pass through for security screening.
The new scanners will permit travellers to carry liquids in containers up to 2 litres in their hand luggage. Passengers will also no longer need to remove electronic devices from their bags during security checks, streamlining the process and reducing queuing times.
Wider rollout across Poland
Similar next-generation security scanners are being installed or planned at a growing number of Polish airports. The technology uses advanced imaging to detect prohibited items without requiring passengers to separate liquids or electronics, bringing European airports into line with newer security standards.
The European Union had set a deadline for airports to adopt the technology, though some countries have experienced delays in implementation. Warsaw’s Chopin Airport, Poland’s busiest hub, is now on track to meet the requirement ahead of schedule.
What this means for Poles in the UK
For Poles travelling between the UK and Poland, the change will make passing through Warsaw considerably smoother. You will soon be able to pack larger bottles of toiletries, drinks or other liquids in your cabin bag when flying via Chopin Airport, and you will no longer need to fish out your laptop, tablet or camera at security.
However, remember that the rule change applies only once all scanners are installed at Warsaw – expected by late November. If you are flying before then, check which terminal and security lane you will use, as some may still enforce the old 100ml limit.
Also bear in mind that UK airports are at different stages of adopting the same technology. Some have already lifted restrictions, while others still enforce the 100ml rule. Always check the specific requirements of your departure airport in the UK before packing. If your journey involves a transfer at an airport that has not yet upgraded its scanners, the stricter rules may still apply.