Miami Airport installs new CT scanners to improve security screening process

Credit: Miami International Airport

Security screening at Miami International Airport (MIA) post COVID-19 has just gotten easier following the installation of seven state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) scanners at six Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints in the airport. 

The new technology provides improved explosive detection screening by creating a 3D image that can be viewed and rotated on three axes for thorough visual image analysis by a TSA officer. If a bag requires further screening, TSA officers will inspect it to ensure that a threat item is not contained inside. Passengers travelling through a lane with one of the new CT scanners will now be permitted to leave laptops and other electronic devices in their carry-on bags.

Director and CEO of Miami International Airport, Lester Sola, said: “These new scanners from the TSA are helping us streamline and expedite the screening process for our passengers, at a time in air travel when a smooth flowing checkpoint has never been more important. We are proud to be among the first U.S. airports to receive this expansion of CT technology by the TSA.”

Like the existing CT technology used for checked baggage at Miami Airport, the machines use sophisticated algorithms to detect explosives, including liquid explosives. The CT checkpoint units were designed with a smaller footprint than those used for checked baggage in order to allow accommodation in the constrained space of a passenger screening area.

Daniel Ronan, the TSA’s Federal Security Director for Miami International Airport, said: “The TSA is committed to putting in place the best technology while also improving the screening experience. CT technology enhances TSA’s threat detection capability through both automated detection and allowing our frontline workforce to use the 3D feature to spin the image that triggered an alarm to ascertain if a threat is present without opening the bag.”