Budapest Airport might make your packing easier – Here’s how!

Budapest Airport delays liquid restrictions scanning technology
The airport hassle with liquids may cease at Budapest Airport, but when will it happen?

Many travellers had hoped that by summer 2025, the strict liquid restrictions for carry-on luggage at Liszt Ferenc International Airport would finally be lifted. Unfortunately, Budapest Airport has yet to implement the new technologies required to make that possible. While the airport previously stated that special CT scanners would be introduced alongside the reopening of Terminal 1, so far, no new timeline or specific progress has been announced.

Technology is available, EU approval still pending

The liquid limits, restricting carry-on liquids to containers holding no more than 100 millilitres, were introduced after a 2006 foiled terrorist plot involving explosives disguised in soda cans. According to 24.hu, the goal was to enhance aviation security, but the policy has remained one of the most frustrating aspects of air travel for passengers, often resulting in the disposal of expensive cosmetics and beverages at security checkpoints.

In recent years, several major European airports, including London City, Milan Linate, Rome Fiumicino, and Madrid Barajas, have adopted advanced CT scanners capable of detecting potential threats using high-resolution 3D imaging. At Rome’s airport, for instance, British-made Smiths Detection scanners are in use. These not only enhance safety but also speed up the screening process. In response to a query from 24.hu, Budapest Airport stated that it has also tested several types of CT scanners for carry-on luggage.

EU regulation slows rollout

Part of the delay stems from European Commission regulations that currently prohibit the official deployment of the new CT technology, according to Telex. Under current EU rules, airports may only diverge from the 10×100 ml liquid restriction if they install certified equipment that ensures a compatible level of screening. The existing systems at Liszt Ferenc Airport do not meet that requirement.

The airport operator says it is also studying the modernisation of Terminal 2, but timing and costs remain unknown. The company declined to reveal how many CT scanners would be needed for a full transition or what the installation would cost.

Passengers at Budapest Airport will have to wait

Although the technology is available and already in use at several airports, travellers flying out of Budapest will, for now, have to stick with the familiar clear plastic bag routine. Budapest Airport maintains that CT scanners represent the future of airport security, but their full rollout will have to wait due to both regulatory and infrastructure challenges. Until then, passengers should remain mindful of the current liquid limits: any containers over 100 millilitres still risk being tossed in the trash at security.

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