East Midlands Airport unveils new look security hall with upgraded technology

East Midlands Airport (EMA) has unveiled its new look security hall — part of a five‑year, £120m investment programme — offering passengers a refreshed physical environment underpinned by upgraded security technology.

image: East Midlands Airport

The move was prompted by a Department of Transport requirement for all UK airports to upgrade their security scanning technology to next generation equipment. As a result, EMA expanded its security hall to house larger 3D baggage scanners and advanced body‑scanners. The installation of these systems has allowed passengers to pass through security without needing to remove electrical items or 100 ml liquids from their cabin bags, streamlining the screening process.

Since April, the airport reports that 99.67% of customers clear security in 15 minutes or less — and the new configuration has increased throughput by around 125 extra people per lane each hour.

Alongside the technical upgrade, EMA took the opportunity to redesign the look and feel of the passenger experience in the security zone. The new hall features wooden wall‑panelling, “halo” ceiling lighting, improved boarding‑card scanning gates at the entrance, and two large-scale media walls displaying welcoming graphics — with the capacity to show dynamic information such as wayfinding or security‑preparation notices.

The airport’s Customer Services and Planning Director Mike Grimes said, “We’re really pleased with the way the look and feel of our security area has been massively enhanced through this project, making it much more welcoming for our customers.

“That along with the new scanning equipment improves the whole experience of going through security, enabling 300 people an hour to come through per lane compared to 175 previously.”