Thanks to AI-powered CT scanners
Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world’s busiest and most influential travel hubs, is stepping into the future with a major overhaul of its security screening systems.
In a bold move to enhance security and passenger convenience, DXB is deploying next-generation CT scanners across all its terminals. These scanners will enable travellers to breeze through security without removing laptops or liquids from their carry-on bags.
This upgrade is powered by the Hi-Scan 6040 CTiX Model-S, a state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) scanner developed by global threat detection leader Smiths Detection. The technology leverages advanced 3D imaging and artificial intelligence and promises to streamline security checks and improve the airport experience significantly.
This new system’s hallmark is its ability to scan bags in high-resolution 3D without requiring passengers to separate electronic devices or liquid containers. This speeds up the screening process and reduces passenger stress and bottlenecks at checkpoints, a common source of delays at major airports.
By eliminating these traditional requirements, DXB is paving the way for a smoother, faster, and more intuitive journey through the airport. This change is particularly significant given the volume of passengers DXB handles each year—more than 80 million and counting.
UK-based Smiths Detection exhibited the Hi-Scan 6040 CTiX Model-S CT scanner at the Airport Show, held at Dubai World Trade Centre from May 6 to 8, 2025.
The new HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX scanners do more than provide more explicit images. They harness AI-driven threat detection algorithms to identify potential risks more accurately and quickly than ever. This ensures that security remains tight without compromising efficiency.
In addition, automated tray return systems will be integrated into the screening lanes, further enhancing throughput and reducing wait times. The overall result is a smarter, faster process that aligns with Dubai’s commitment to innovation and excellence in aviation.
These cutting-edge scanners are already certified by leading international aviation authorities, including the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC). Their approval underscores the system’s reliability and advanced capabilities.
The deployment also highlights Dubai’s dedication to meeting—and exceeding—global standards in airport security and infrastructure development.
Introducing the new screening technology is part of a broader vision for the future of travel in Dubai. Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), the organisation overseeing infrastructure developments at the airport, has awarded the implementation contract to Smiths Detection as part of a long-term commitment to innovation.
Jerome de Chassey, President of Smiths Detection, expressed pride in the partnership, noting that the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model-S represents the pinnacle of airport screening technology. “We are proud to be awarded this contract, and the deployment of this cutting-edge technology will significantly enhance both the security and efficiency of passenger screening processes,” he said.
The rollout supports Dubai’s goal of making Dubai International Airport the world’s most innovative and efficient travel hub. It also sets the stage for the transition to Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central), the massive $35 billion project scheduled to become the Arabian Gulf emirate’s central aviation hub by the decade’s end.
As international travel demand continues to grow, DXB’s adoption of AI-powered CT scanning technology positions the airport at the forefront of the aviation industry. With a focus on smarter operations, faster processing times, and world-class passenger experiences, Dubai is redefining what it means to travel through a central international hub.
Introducing these systems marks a significant step forward for the UAE and the global aviation industry. It offers a glimpse into the future of airport security—one that balances safety with speed and technology with traveller comfort.
Image: Trade visitors acquaint themselves with the Hi-Scan 6040 CTiX Model-S CT scanner at the Smiths Detection exhibitor stand at the Airport Show, held at Dubai World Trade Centre from May 6 to 8, 2025. Credit: Arnold Pinto
