The Security Screening Building SKG from Flughafen Zürich AG - new scanners, more liquids and calmer queues

Reviewed: ad hoc news Bestseller & Flagship desk. Edited and checked on 2026-06-22, 22:17. Details in the imprint.

In the Security Screening Building SKG at Zurich Airport, plastic bags rustle less and carry-on trolleys hum more smoothly across the floor. The Security Screening Building SKG from Flughafen Zürich AG now lets passengers keep bottles and laptops in their bags, changing the ritual at the checkpoint.

What changes for passengers

From Friday, passengers starting their journey in Zurich may take liquids in containers up to two liters in their hand luggage without placing them in a separate plastic bag. Security officers in the SKG building scan everything directly in the cabin baggage.

The relaxed rules also cover electronic devices such as laptops and tablets, which can remain in the bags during screening. For many travelers, this removes the slightly hectic unpacking routine in front of the gray plastic trays.

New scanners behind the rules

Flughafen Zürich has equipped the Security Screening Building SKG with modern CT scanners that create three-dimensional images of carry-on luggage. These systems can analyze the contents in detail and distinguish liquids and electronics more precisely than older equipment.

According to a statement from Zurich Airport, the new rules apply to all passengers who pass through the centrally located SKG security checkpoints. Other checkpoints at the site are being gradually upgraded to the same standard, step by step.

How it feels at the checkpoint

At the belt, a family of four slides their trolley cases into the scanner without stopping to unpack bottles or power banks. The flow becomes smoother, voices in the line sound a little less tense, and trays pile up more slowly.

Security staff still watch the screens closely and may pull bags aside for manual checks. But the standard process now involves fewer hand movements and less sorting, which can reduce congestion at peak times.

Management view and timing

Flughafen Zürich CEO Lukas Brosi has emphasized in recent months that improving the passenger experience is a strategic focus of the airport operator. Investments in security technology are part of this agenda, alongside terminal and retail upgrades.

The change in liquid rules comes as Zurich Airport prepares for the busy summer holiday season. By rolling out the new scanners and procedures in June, the operator positions the SKG building to handle higher volumes with more predictable waiting times.

Alignment with European trend

Several European hubs have already started or announced similar relaxations of liquid restrictions, supported by CT scanner deployment. Zurich now joins this group, at least for passengers screened in the SKG building. The classic one-liter bag is becoming less central.

For transfer passengers, however, the stricter rules of the onward airport may still apply. Travelers connecting through airports that have not yet upgraded scanners must continue to consider the traditional 100-milliliter and plastic bag requirements.

Operational impact for Flughafen Zürich

For Flughafen Zürich, the Security Screening Building SKG is not a gadget but a core process asset. Higher throughput at security can unlock additional value in commercial areas, where passengers may spend more time in shops and gastronomy instead of queuing.

The operator also positions itself as a technologically up-to-date hub, which matters when airlines decide on routes and frequencies. A smoother ground experience can be a quiet but relevant argument in those discussions.

Where limits remain

Despite the relaxed rules, there is no free-for-all for liquids. The two-liter cap per container still applies, and dangerous substances remain prohibited even if they are liquid. Security regulations continue to follow aviation safety standards.

Passengers must also pay attention to duty-free purchases for onward flights. Bottles bought in Zurich may face restrictions at airports that have not adopted comparable CT-based screening, which can lead to additional checks or repacking.

Stock and company context

Flughafen Zürich operates Zurich Airport under a long-term concession and generates revenue from flight operations, real estate, and commercial activities. Flughafen Zürich shares (ISIN CH0019318550) are listed on SIX Swiss Exchange in Swiss francs.

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