Faster Security Screening Arrives at Canadian Airports
Winnipeg International Airport has become the latest major Canadian travel hub to install advanced computed tomography (CT) X-ray scanners, marking a significant step in modernizing airport security procedures across the country. The new technology, implemented by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), is designed to dramatically speed up the security screening process for millions of passengers.
How the New CT Scanners Transform Passenger Experience
The most immediate benefit for travellers is the elimination of a long-standing airport hassle. Passengers using security lines equipped with these scanners will no longer need to remove their laptops, large electronics, liquids, aerosols, and gels from their carry-on bags. This change is poised to save considerable time and reduce the stress of juggling personal items at busy security checkpoints.
The key to this convenience lies in the scanner's advanced imaging capability. Unlike older systems that produced flat, two-dimensional images, the new CT scanners generate a detailed, three-dimensional view of a bag's contents. Security officers can virtually rotate and inspect this 3D image, which enhances their ability to detect potential threats, such as explosives, more effectively than before.
Nick Hays, President and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority, emphasized the dual benefit in a news release, stating, "This innovation not only improves efficiency at security checkpoints but also reflects our commitment to working with partners like CATSA to bring world-class solutions to YWG."
National Rollout and Important Exceptions
This upgrade is part of a coordinated national initiative. CATSA began installing the machines 14 months ago, with Vancouver International Airport being the first to receive the technology. Since then, the scanners have been deployed in several other major airports, including those in:
- Ottawa
- Montreal
- Calgary
- Toronto
- Quebec City
- Halifax
Edmonton International Airport announced it will install its first CT scanner by the end of this month, with a full rollout across all six security lanes expected by March of next year.
However, passengers should note an important exception to the new rules. Liquids in containers larger than 100 mL must still be removed from carry-on baggage and are not permitted through security. CATSA also advises travellers to look for specific signage at checkpoints. Only lines displaying a CT technology sign allow for the new, more convenient procedure. If no sign is present, the old rules for removing electronics and liquids still apply.
This technological shift aligns Canada with a global trend. The European Union has mandated the implementation of CT scanners by the end of this year, while the United States is pursuing a phased approach, focusing on high-risk locations first. For Canadian travellers, the future of faster, more convenient airport security is now arriving gate by gate.
