by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 9:50 AM ET, Wed December 10, 2025
Just in time for the holiday travel rush, security at Alberta’s two major airports is getting upgraded.
In Calgary, domestic security screening currently at checkpoints A, B and C will be consolidated in one centralized location. The central hub will use the latest screening technology which allows passengers to keep their aerosols, liquids and gels and large electronics in their carry-on baggage during screening. These scanners are already in use at YYC for international and transborder screening.
The consolidation of the domestic checkpoints into one that uses the new scanning technology is aimed at optimizing security and making it quicker for passengers to get through. Chris Miles, chief operating officer with Calgary Airports, told the Calgary Herald that the $50-million project is a “generational investment that will serve Calgarians for decades,” offering a faster and more consistent experience for passengers.
Once in force, the new system is expected to speed travellers through security 30 to 50 percent faster. “Our new centralized screening layout is really designed with everyone in mind,” says Mills. “Your throughput time drops dramatically and passengers come through with a lot less anxiety over what stays in the bag (and) what comes out of the bag.”
The new security layout will be introduced in phases, with phase one rolling out today, Dec. 10, 2025. This phase, originally planned to open early next year, will increase capacity by 40 percent, with seven new lanes. The second phase will introduce two more lanes, with the possibility of expanding to 13.
Calgary International is a busy airport and this holiday season is expected to be a record breaker. According to the airport website, it is expecting to welcome 1.48 million travellers in December.
This is one of the busiest and most important travel times of the year, and our teams are working together to deliver a safe, seamless experience, from curb to gate to takeoff,” says Mills.
Edmonton Gets New Screening Tech
The joy of leaving your liquids and laptops in your bag will soon be shared by those passing through security at Edmonton International (YEG) too.
“On peak days throughout December, we’re looking at upwards of about 28,000 passengers, so this place will be crammed,” Erin Isfeld, corporate communications manager with Edmonton International Airport told Global News.
The new CT X-ray scanners provide a 3D image of baggage, allowing the image to be rotated and sliced. That means security officers can “see” what’s in a bag without needing to pull it aside for inspection. The result is a faster security experience.
The new scanner will be used at the domestic screening checkpoint alongside the older scanners. Over the coming months the new technology will replace each of the six existing scanners, one at a time. Once they are installed, the new CT scanners will be introduced at the transborder checkpoint.
Travellers are reminded that liquids must still be under 100 mLs to travel in carry-on baggage, regardless of the scanning technology used.
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