Warsaw Chopin Airport activates first two C3 scanners, raising cabin liquid limit to 2 litres
Two computed-tomography security scanners, nicknamed 'Smoczyce', began operating at Warsaw Chopin Airport on 8 July, allowing Fast Track passengers to keep electronics and liquids in their bags and raising the single-container liquid limit from 100 ml to 2 litres.
First two units enter service
Warsaw Chopin Airport activated its first two C3-standard security scanners on the morning of 8 July, acting spokesperson Piotr Rudzki confirmed. The devices, dubbed "Smoczyce" (Dragonesses), are stationed at the Fast Track lanes but one will also be used for other travellers in zone AB during peak congestion.
This morning we operationally launched two new security scanners – which we call 'Smoczyce'.
The rollout follows a replacement programme that began in early May. The airport aims to have 15 of the machines in service by the end of 2026, gradually phasing out older equipment.
- Replacement programme begins with first installations.
- Two 'Smoczyce' scanners become operational at Fast Track lanes.
- Target to have 15 C3 scanners in service.
How the technology works
The EDSCB C3 (Explosive Detection Systems for Cabin Baggage) scanners use computed tomography to generate detailed 3D images of bag contents. This allows detection of explosives and other prohibited items even in microscopic quantities. Passengers using these lanes no longer need to remove electronics or liquids from their hand luggage.
The new scanners will significantly speed up passenger screening because they operate in the C3 standard. Fast Track passengers no longer have to take electronics and liquids out of their bags.
Liquid limit and passenger impact
The most visible change for travellers is the liquid allowance. On the new scanners, the limit per single container rises from 100 ml to 2 litres. Rudzki stressed that the old 100 ml rule still applies on all other security lanes, urging passengers to prepare accordingly.
Airport growth and wider rollout
Warsaw Chopin Airport remains Poland's largest hub. It handled over 9.38 million passengers between January and May 2026, up more than 7% year-on-year, with 2.22 million in May alone. Annual traffic reached 24 million in 2025, up from 21.3 million in 2024. This summer the airport offers connections to 142 destinations, served by carriers including LOT, Lufthansa, Wizz Air, Air France, Emirates, KLM, SAS and British Airways.
- 2024
- 21.3 million passengers
- 2025
- 24 million passengers
C3 scanners are already operational at four other Polish airports: Gdańsk, Rzeszów, Poznań and Lublin.
