Europe Airports In Crisis: Milan Malpensa, Amsterdam Schiphol, And Others Experience Major Disruptions Due To New Airport Scanner Rules

Published on July 30, 2025

The recent changes in airport scanner rules across Europe have caused significant disruptions, as major airports like Milan, Amsterdam, and Schiphol struggle to implement the new policies. These shifting regulations, designed to streamline security procedures and allow larger liquid allowances, have left many passengers confused and frustrated due to inconsistent rule enforcement. Airports that haven’t upgraded to the approved scanners are forced to adhere to the old restrictions, creating chaos and delays at security checkpoints. The lack of clarity and the variation in procedures between airports are complicating travel, leaving passengers uncertain about what to expect when they arrive at the airport.

The European Commission has introduced a significant shift in regulations concerning the transport of liquids through airport security, with the new guidelines expected to apply to specific airports that meet the criteria. These changes have stirred a mixture of excitement and confusion, as they are aimed at modernizing security procedures while simultaneously addressing the inconvenience of current liquid restrictions.

One of the most notable updates involves the reintroduction of advanced C3 scanners, which will now allow passengers to carry up to 2 liters of liquids through security checkpoints—an increase from the previously strict limit of 100 milliliters. The announcement on Tuesday effectively reverses a decision made in September to ban the use of the EDS CB C3 screening technology. This ban had previously restricted the volume of liquids passengers could carry, causing significant frustration among travelers and airlines alike.

The change is designed to streamline the screening process and reduce the time passengers spend at security checks. C3 scanners are equipped with technology that can better analyze the contents of bags without the need for passengers to remove their liquids or electronic devices. This development is expected to significantly ease the burden of security procedures, while also improving overall safety by offering more sophisticated detection capabilities.

However, the Commission’s new policy has created some confusion and inconsistency across the European Union, particularly because the new rules apply exclusively to scanners manufactured by one specific company. The UK-based Smiths Detection is the sole supplier of the approved C3 scanners, and airports that purchased scanners from competing manufacturers, such as Nuctech and Rapiscan, are now excluded from the benefits of the updated guidelines. This leaves these airports in a position where they must wait for their scanners to be recertified by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) before they can be used for the new screening process. The recertification process is expected to be lengthy and complicated, meaning that for the time being, airports with rival scanners will continue to enforce the 100-milliliter limit on liquids.

This situation has led to a patchwork of security procedures across the continent, with some airports allowing larger liquid quantities while others maintain the previous restrictions. A prime example is the city of Milan, where passengers departing from Linate Airport or Terminal 1 of Malpensa can now bring up to 2 liters of liquids through security. However, travelers departing from Terminal 2 at Malpensa are still required to adhere to the old rule, which limits liquids to 100 milliliters. In contrast, Milan Bergamo Airport has announced that it will continue to enforce the 100-milliliter rule until November 28, when it is expected to install the new C3 scanners at its security checkpoints.

Further complicating matters, Amsterdam Schiphol and other airports in the Netherlands are reportedly equipped with the necessary technology to implement the new liquid rules. Despite this, these airports have decided to maintain the old restrictions for the time being, with no clear timeline for when the change will be implemented. This has sparked frustration among passengers who may find themselves facing different security protocols depending on their departure gate or terminal, even within the same airport.

The European Commission’s decision to reintroduce the C3 scanners has been met with a range of reactions, particularly from the airport industry group ACI Europe. While the new scanners are expected to improve the efficiency of security processes and offer more advanced security screening, the decision to limit the technology to only certain airports and scanners has raised concerns about fairness and consistency. Airports that invested in rival technology are now in a difficult position, potentially facing additional costs and delays as they wait for their machines to be recertified and approved.

For airports and airlines, the ultimate goal is to create a more efficient and secure travel experience for passengers. The introduction of C3 scanners was initially seen as a step forward in achieving this goal, with the potential to streamline the screening process and reduce long queues at security checkpoints. The technology allows passengers to keep their liquids in bags and avoid the inconvenience of removing laptops and electronic devices from their carry-on bags. As a result, the implementation of C3 scanners was expected to lead to smoother and faster security checks, benefiting both travelers and airport staff.

The reversal of the September ban on C3 scanners comes on the heels of similar actions taken in the United Kingdom, where security regulations were also relaxed earlier this year. The UK decision to ease restrictions was widely viewed as a success, which has put additional pressure on the European Commission to align its policies with those of the UK. The Commission’s announcement has been seen by many as a positive step, but the uneven application of the new rules has raised concerns about the overall consistency of airport security procedures across the EU.

The European Commission’s decision to reintroduce the use of C3 scanners is a significant step towards improving airport security while easing the burden on travelers. However, the limitations on which scanners can be used and the uneven application of the new regulations across different airports have created confusion and inconsistency. As the recertification process moves forward, it remains to be seen how long it will take for the new rules to be fully implemented across all EU airports and whether they will lead to the desired improvements in both security and efficiency.