Frankfurt Airport has become the first airport globally to implement walk-through scanners for passenger security checks on a regular basis. After a successful one-year trial at Concourse A in Terminal 1, the German Federal Police have approved the full-scale use of the Rohde & Schwarz QPS Walk2000 system.
This new security technology enhances passenger comfort by allowing them to walk through the scanner at a normal pace, eliminating the need to freeze in an uncomfortable position for scanning. Around 18,000 departing passengers pass through this checkpoint daily, and plans are in place to expand the system to more security lanes within Terminal 1 and introduce it in the new Terminal 3.
“We are the first airport in the world to set a new standard in passenger security with this innovative 360° walk-through scanner,” said Alexander Laukenmann, head of Fraport AG’s aviation division. “During the test phase, we worked closely with the German Federal Police to refine the system and achieve its certification, all part of our continuous efforts to enhance the passenger experience by using cutting-edge technology to streamline security without compromising safety.”
Andreas Haegele, Vice President of Microwave Imaging at Rohde & Schwarz, praised the successful collaboration between the Federal Police and Fraport, highlighting the joint testing and evaluation of the scanner as an example of excellent teamwork. “We are proud to contribute to this advanced, innovative approach to passenger screening,” he said.
The QPS Walk2000 uses millimeter-wave technology that scans through clothing while providing real-time identification of potential threats using an avatar. If an alarm is triggered, security personnel can focus on the specific area of concern, reducing the need for a full rescan.
Since taking over aviation security responsibilities at Frankfurt Airport in January 2023, Fraport has invested approximately 22 million euros in advanced CT technology and innovative lane designs at security checkpoints. Fraport manages approximately 160 security lanes at Frankfurt Airport, while the German Federal Police oversees overall aviation security, certification of equipment, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
Headquartered in Frankfurt, Fraport AG is a leading player in global airport operations, managing airports across four continents. In 2024, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) served 61.6 million passengers and handled about 2.1 million metric tons of cargo.
Rohde & Schwarz, headquartered in Munich, is a leading global technology group specializing in test and measurement, technology systems, and networks and cybersecurity. With a rich history of 90 years, the company pushes the boundaries of technological development to empower customers across industrial, regulatory, and government sectors. In the fiscal year 2023/2024, Rohde & Schwarz generated net revenue of EUR 2.93 billion and employed around 14,400 people worldwide.
