LEEDS, United Kingdom — Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has officially opened its new multi-million-pound Central Search Zone, marking a major milestone in its £100 million terminal regeneration program.
The expanded checkpoint facility integrates next-generation Smiths Detection HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX computed tomography scanners paired with three extra-long automated tray return lanes. The advanced 3D volumetric imaging technology permits departing passengers to retain liquids up to two liters and large electronic devices within their cabin baggage, significantly cutting processing latency.
Operational metrics during opening-week trials indicate checkpoint throughput has doubled from 600 to over 1,200 PAX per hour, reducing average queuing time to less than five minutes during peak morning departure banks.
Airport Chief Operating Officer Damien Brooks confirmed that the facility was engineered in strict compliance with the UK Department for Transport (DfT) Next-Generation Security Checkpoint guidelines.