Newsroom
CT Scanners at Indian Airports — What's Changing
Last updated: 6 Jul 2026Reviewed by Ms. Rubab Nizami, Lead AVSEC Faculty
In short
CT (computed-tomography) scanners give a rotatable 3D X-ray of cabin bags and detect explosives automatically. India is rolling them out at busier airports such as Delhi and Mumbai. Where they are in use you may keep laptops and liquids in the bag — but the 100ml liquids limit itself has not been scrapped nationwide.
What is changing at Indian airport security?
Busier Indian airports are installing CT scanners at cabin-baggage lanes. These 3D machines can automatically flag explosives, so at those lanes passengers may be told to leave laptops and liquids inside the bag, speeding up the queue.
The change is lane-by-lane, not nationwide. Follow the signage at your specific lane — some lanes still use conventional XBIS machines where you must remove laptops and liquids.
Has the 100ml liquids rule been scrapped in India?
No. Even where CT scanners let you keep liquids in the bag, the 100ml-per-container limit for liquids in cabin baggage has not been officially scrapped across India. Claims that you can carry any quantity of liquid are not a signposted national policy.
Quick answers
Do I take my laptop out at a CT-scanner lane?
Usually no — follow the lane signage, which will tell you if you can keep it in the bag.
Can I carry unlimited liquids now?
No. The 100ml-per-container limit still applies in India unless your lane's signage says otherwise.
What changed
- 2026-07-06 — Reviewed; CT rollout continues at metro airports, 100ml rule unchanged.