Vancouver International Airport to expand new no-unpack screening machines at all security checkpoints in 2026
The equipment uses advanced three-dimensional rotatable X-ray images to make it easier for screening officers to analyze the contents inside a bag and to detect explosives and other threat items. This replaces CATSA’s current primary use of X-ray machines that produce two-dimensional images.
The new equipment was first introduced at a domestic checkpoint in September 2024.
Then last week, the other domestic checkpoint — located closer to the domestic food court — reopened following a temporary closure to enable the installation of the equipment.
December 2025 reopening of Vancouver International Airport’s ABC South security checkpoint with new CATSA Plus X-ray screening machines. (Vancouver Airport Authority)
December 2025 reopening of Vancouver International Airport’s ABC South security checkpoint with new CATSA Plus X-ray screening machines. (Vancouver Airport Authority)
Building on the success of this initial rollout since last year, the airport authority has now announced its plan to further expand the technology to all remaining security checkpoints across YVR by 2026, including the U.S. transborder and international departure checkpoints. This equipment is already found on one line at the international checkpoint.
YVR was among the first few Canadian airports to see the new equipment, which is increasingly being rolled out by CATSA at other airports to help simplify and streamline Canadian air travel.
This could also help reduce CATSA’s labour requirements to properly operate security checkpoints, while maintaining both safety and the efficient and timely processing of passengers.
December 2025 reopening of Vancouver International Airport’s ABC South security checkpoint with new CATSA Plus X-ray screening machines. (Vancouver Airport Authority)
This amounts to a very slight reversal of some of the major strict security screening protocols that have been increasingly rolled out since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which initially led to the first heightened screening practices of all passengers and baggage.
Before 9/11, passengers and non-passengers alike could walk directly to the gate area at most North American airports. Security screening was in place but far less restrictive, creating a much more open and relaxed airport experience. Family members, friends, and even members of the general public could pass through low-tech metal detectors and enter the gate area without a boarding pass, where it was common to walk loved ones to their departure gate, wait at the gate to greet arriving passengers, or simply spend time in lounges, restaurants, and bars without flying.
The policies restricting the size of liquids, gels, and aerosols in airport carry-on luggage and the need to place these contents inside a clear plastic bag for security screening first began in 2006, following the foiling of a major terrorist plot to use liquid explosives on multiple transatlantic flights. Screening policies relating to electronics — including smartphones, tablets, large cameras, and laptop computers — were expanded later in the 2000s and the 2010s.
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