Chopin Airport: 3D scanners could end the 100 ml limit across the whole airport as early as November

Security scanners are being replaced at Warsaw Chopin Airport. As Spider's Web reported on 19 October 2026, citing fly4free.pl, work has "sped up considerably". The project could be completed earlier than the planned date of 20 December 2026.

What is changing

The installation of the new equipment began in the spring. In May, it was reported that the upgrade would be carried out in stages until December, so that the airport could keep processing passengers throughout. In mid-September, the airport said the project was on schedule. More than half of the scanners due to be replaced had already been installed.

According to fly4free.pl, all the scanners will be installed and approved for use at the end of November. The liquids limit would then apply nowhere at the airport, regardless of which part of it you go through security in. However, this is the website's forecast, not an official date announced by the airport.

What rules the new scanners allow

The scanners allow you to take liquids in containers of up to 2 litres in your hand luggage. Electronics can also be left in your bag during screening. Spider's Web notes that similar devices are being, or are due to be, installed at other Polish airports.

Not everywhere yet

So far, the change applies only at some security lanes. In September, Spider's Web wrote that eight lanes in the AB zone had been upgraded, and that the plan covers 15 lanes, including in the other zones. Bankier.pl, citing fly4free.pl and the press office of Polish Airports State Enterprise (PPL), previously described a situation in which passengers in the CDE zone still had to observe the 100 ml limit. The airport urged caution at the time, because which security lane a passenger ended up in was down to chance.

What this means for Poles in the UK

Many people living in the UK fly to Poland via Warsaw, especially at Christmas. Until the installation is complete, it is better to assume that the 100 ml limit applies, and not to count on getting a lane with a 3D scanner. The rules at the airport you return from, that is in the UK, depend on that airport. It is worth checking them with your airline or on the airport's website before you fly.