Smart Security Screening Further Enhances Passenger Experience at HKIA

(HONG KONG, 26 June 2024, 1800 hrs) – Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) will introduce a new smart security screening system at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to further enhance passenger experience and operational performance. The new system will be put into service by phases from July 2024. HKIA will be world’s first to operate smart security screening channels in the entire airport. 

Passengers using the new smart security screening channels can keep their electronic devices, including laptop computers and mobile phones, as well as liquids, aerosols and gels in their carry-on luggage, without having to take them out for screening as required by existing protocol. The streamlined procedure is enabled by the latest 3D and 360-degree CT-based X-ray scanning technology, as opposed to the existing system’s 2D capability. The new system is also equipped with other passenger-friendly functions including auto tray recirculation, in-built tray sterilisation, and automatic alert to passengers for uncollected items on the tray.

For passengers who fail to clear the archway metal detector, further screening will be conducted in a new full-body scanner, replacing the existing manual search that uses a hand-held detector. The advanced imaging technology deployed in the full-body scanner can accurately locate any concealed items while reducing physical contact between passengers and security staff. To protect passenger’s privacy, only a simple outline of the body will be shown on the screen.

The new passenger security screening system, featuring 50 channels and 32 full-body scanners, will be installed and put into operation in Terminal 1 by phases. The first batch at South and North Departures Immigration Halls in Terminal 1 will be put into service on 2 July 2024. Apart from enhancing passenger experience, operational efficiency can also be achieved by introducing the new smart security screening system, increasing the average throughput by about 20%.

Steven Yiu, Executive Director, Airport Operations of AAHK, said, “At HKIA, we attach great importance to aviation safety as well as passenger experience. We will adopt the new smart security screening channel in the entire airport. The upgrades of the security screening system at HKIA not only further enhance the overall screening performance, but also make mandatory airport procedures more pleasant to passengers, with the existing aviation security standards and requirements remaining intact."