Airport X-Ray Security Screening System Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis by 2027

The market for airport x-ray security screening systems is projected to grow significantly, reaching approximately US$ 3,459.82 million by 2028, up from US$ 2,538.98 million in 2021. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2021 to 2028.

This market is categorized into several regions, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), the Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America. Airport security screening machines utilize either X-ray (ionizing radiation) or high radiofrequency (RF) radiations (non-ionizing radiation) to scan passengers and luggage. The full-body X-ray scanners serve as modern alternatives to traditional body scanning methods, enhancing the detection capabilities of existing technologies. These machines are specifically designed to identify weapons, explosives, and other prohibited items concealed beneath clothing. Additionally, they can detect explosives in various forms, including liquids, aerosols, or gels carried by passengers.

The increase in air travel until 2019 was a significant factor that spurred the adoption of advanced baggage and passenger screening solutions at airports, which are often prime targets for terrorist activities. Many airport authorities have invested in upgraded screening technologies. For example, in 2019, Smiths Detection announced trials of its hold-baggage security system at Terminal 1 of Sydney Airport. Their HI-SCAN 10080 XCT is a Computed Tomography (CT) based high-speed automatic explosives detection system (EDS). Similarly, the Transport Security Administration (TSA) in the United States implemented new CT scanners from Smiths Detection to enhance baggage screening efficiency across various airports. The TSA ordered 300 new CT scanners valued at US$ 96.8 million, with 22 already operational at major airports like Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson and Chicago O'Hare.

The airport x-ray security screening system market is further divided based on components, types, and geographical regions. In terms of components, the market is split into solutions and services. By type, it is categorized into baggage screening and people screening.

Historically, the implementation of full-body scanning technology raised privacy concerns due to its ability to produce detailed images of the body, including skin and prosthetics. However, advancements in terahertz body scanners equipped with sophisticated software have become increasingly popular, contributing significantly to the growth of the security screening market. The imaging technology in these scanners allows for the masking of specific body parts, ensuring that the operator does not see the detailed image; instead, the display indicates whether the passenger is cleared for passage. In some cases, this technology eliminates the need for a separate officer to monitor the images remotely. These systems generate a generic representation of the individual, highlighting areas of concern with boxes. If no suspicious items are detected, a green screen signals that the passenger is cleared.

Moreover, millimeter wave (MW) imaging technology is also utilized in body scanning systems. These devices leverage millimeter wave technology to automatically identify objects concealed under clothing, including both metal and non-metal weapons, liquids, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and narcotics. Nuctech Company Limited provides MW body inspection devices tailored for the civil aviation sector.

Additionally, the introduction of dual-view technology in body scanners enhances the operator's ability to detect potential security threats with greater accuracy and speed by providing two perspectives during screening. For instance, Vehant Technologies installed the Kritiscan 100100 DV X-ray scanner for registered baggage and the Kritiscan 6040 DV X-ray scanner for hand baggage at Visakhapatnam Airport in India in September 2020. Thus, the trends of terahertz body scanners with advanced software, millimeter wave imaging technology, and dual-view technology are expected to significantly influence market growth in the coming years.

Key players in the global airport x-ray security screening system market include ADANI, Nuctech Company Limited, OSI Systems, Inc., Leidos, Astrophysics Inc., VOTI Detection Inc., Safran S.A., and Smiths Group plc.