Cologne/Bonn Airport: From 2026, passengers will be allowed to take two liters of liquid with them!

Cologne/Bonn Airport: From 2026, passengers will be allowed to take two liters of liquid with them!

A new wind is blowing through the security checkpoints at Cologne/Bonn Airport. From summer 2026, passengers will now be allowed to carry up to two liters of liquid in their hand luggage. These changes are the result of a new EU regulation approved at the end of July 2025, lifting strict restrictions that have been in place for years. The previous regulations, which stipulate a maximum amount of 100 milliliters, are now a thing of the past, provided that airports use the new CT scanners across the board to increase the level of security. [Ruhr24].

What exactly is behind these new CT scanners? CT, which stands for computer tomography, enables a three-dimensional x-ray of hand luggage. This technology provides hundreds of detailed images and can reliably detect both solid and liquid explosives. What’s special about it? Passengers no longer have to remove liquids, laptops, tablets and other electronic devices from their bags, significantly speeding up the security process.

Investment in the future

The renovation of the security checkpoints at Cologne/Bonn Airport has already begun, and the new scanners are scheduled to be put into operation in early 2026. This measure will not only improve passengers' travel experience but also increase safety standards. A step that is also being sought in other European airports: Vienna-Schwechat Airport, for example, is also planning to introduce the new scanners from 2026. Die Presse also mentions investments of 25 million euros for the renovation.

These developments raise the question: How long will the 100 milliliter rule actually remain in force? In Germany, passengers still have to deal with the old, less innovative security checks for the time being, as the necessary software for the new scanners is not yet available everywhere. This means that CT scanners are already in operation at the major international airports of Frankfurt and Munich, but the 100 milliliter limit still applies because old technologies are used in parallel.

The view into the distance

The expansion and introduction of the new scanners should not only improve flight safety, but also significantly reduce waiting times for travelers. According to Graz Airport, new scanner options are being discussed, but major structural measures are necessary, which will delay the introduction. Salzburg Airport is also planning changes, but passengers there will have to wait until a new terminal is completed in 2030. And at Linz Airport they would like to wait and see how the experiences at Vienna Airport play out.

Overall, a lot is happening at the airports. The new regulations could make traveling easier, eliminate the need to sort luggage and significantly reduce stress at the airport. A warm welcome to travelers hoping for changes soon - a real relief after many years of restrictions!