Current security service provider to continue role for another five years
Next step in the redesign of passenger screening
€25 million for travel comfort and state-of-the-art technology
Cologne/Bonn Airport has awarded the contract for aviation security checks to Securitas following a Europe-wide tender process. The security service provider has been responsible for screening passengers and their baggage in accordance with Section 5 of the Aviation Security Act at the airport since 2021 and will continue to perform this task on behalf of the airport and under the supervision of the Federal Police for another five years from January 1, 2026. The airport took over the organization of passenger checks from the Federal Police at the beginning of the year and has been managing them independently ever since. Now, for the first time, the airport has put the security check service out to tender and awarded the contract itself.
“We are delighted to continue working closely with our trusted partner Securitas. The safety of passengers, employees, and visitors is always our top priority. Together and in close cooperation with the Federal Police, which is responsible for aviation security, we will continue to ensure the highest standards,” says Thilo Schmid, Chairman of the Management Board of Flughafen Köln/Bonn GmbH. “In the fall, we will also begin renovating the security checkpoint, which will set new standards: By next summer, Cologne/Bonn will be the first airport in Germany to equip all lanes with state-of-the-art CT technology and completely redesign the entire security area. We are investing around 25 million euros in this project with the aim of offering our passengers a comfortable travel experience and an optimal quality of stay.”
State-of-the-art technology, new design, efficient processes
The renovation of the security checkpoints will begin after the fall break with the start of the winter flight schedule. Preliminary work has already begun. The redesign of the area will be carried out in several phases while operations continue. The first lanes with the latest CT technology and attractive design are scheduled to go into operation at the beginning of 2026, and by the summer, the complete conversion to a total of eleven state-of-the-art CT lanes will be complete.
"For passengers, the modernization will mean greater travel comfort. In the future, liquids and electronic devices can remain in hand luggage during security checks. The entire process, which is controlled by the airport from a single source, will thus become more customer-friendly and simpler," says airport managing director Cenk Özöztürk. The new CT equipment will also create the conditions for passengers to carry up to two liters of liquids in their hand luggage in the future, in accordance with EU regulations, according to Özöztürk.
In addition, the “Next Chapter” concept includes giving all new lanes a modern design. This creates a pleasant atmosphere with new lighting and acoustic concepts, intuitive routing, and a design that harmoniously integrates the security check area into the terminal. A family lane specially designed for children will also be available after the renovation.
Strengthening the attractiveness of the location and competitive position
With the redesign of the security checkpoints, Cologne/Bonn Airport is taking an important step into the future and investing independently in the attractiveness of the location. In addition to providing a pleasant passenger experience, a key goal is to further develop the airport for airlines and customers and strengthen its own competitive position through efficient processes.
The redesign of the security checkpoint is part of the extensive “Next Chapter” program, with which Cologne/Bonn Airport is giving its terminals a whole new look. In addition to security checks, this includes 18 new catering units – 17 of which are already open today – the renovation of the arrival and departure areas, the reopening of the hand luggage exit, the renewal of the furniture, and the implementation of modern lounge concepts for travelers and guests.
Background
The Federal Police is responsible for ensuring aviation security. In particular, it is responsible for legal and technical supervision, the protection of control points, and other essential tasks to ensure aviation security standards. A private security service provider is responsible for carrying out the checks. Following the airport's takeover of the organization and control of passenger checks, it is now commissioned by the airport company. After Frankfurt and Berlin, Cologne/Bonn is the third airport in Germany to organize the control processes on its own.
The airport already put a new Airport Operation Control Center (AOCC) into operation in 2023. This is where all central operational processes come together to make procedures even more efficient. Security service providers, the federal police, and the airport, among others, work closely together there.
