£12 million baggage project set for take-off

Friday 22 January 2021

Preparatory work on the first of two new Hold Baggage System scanners is underway, in a multi-million pound project that will see 3D technology installed.

The scanners process the passenger’s hold baggage from the check-in desk, to its loading onto the aircraft.

Up to £12m has been set aside to update the current equipment, which has been in place since the terminal building opened in 2004 and no longer meets requirements set by the UK's Department for Transport.

The first phase of the project will include the replacement of existing x-ray scanners with new 3D technology.

“As technology and standards improve, we want to ensure Guernsey’s ports are equipped with the latest and most resilient technology," said Steve Langlois, the Head of Passenger Operations and Aviation Security.

Until the new system is in place, the airport is required by its regulators to continue random hand-searches of hold baggage. That means that travellers - who, at the moment, can only travel for essential reasons - should arrive at the airport in good time if they have baggage to check-in, in case it is searched. 

The temporary measures are expected to be in place until the spring, when the first of the new scanners will be commissioned. Those travelling with hand baggage only  are not impacted by the temporary measures.