Warsaw Chopin Airport to Phase Out Nuctech Scanners Over Security Issues

Warsaw Chopin Airport has made the pivotal decision to phase out the security scanners manufactured by the Chinese company Nuctech, a move that was confirmed by an official from the airport on Wednesday. This decision arises from growing security concerns that were highlighted in an assessment conducted by Poland’s Civil Aviation Authority.

Piotr Rudzki, the airport’s communications chief, explained the situation, stating, “Just like the later position of the Ministry of Infrastructure, the recommendation was that these devices may not be safe and therefore it is recommended to refrain from using them.” He shared this information with Reuters but noted that Nuctech did not respond to requests for comment about the decision.

Currently, the airport operates four large Nuctech scanners that are employed for screening checked luggage. However, plans are already in place to replace these machines with new models from a Polish consortium named Dimark-Anglosec, with the transition expected to be completed by March 2025.

Nuctech, known for its production of body and luggage scanners used in airports and ports worldwide, has faced significant scrutiny. In 2020, the company was blacklisted by the U.S. government, which cited national security concerns as the reason for this action. The scrutiny over Nuctech doesn’t stop there. In 2022, European lawmakers in Strasbourg expressed alarm over a proposed deal to purchase Nuctech’s baggage scanners. They advocated for an independent investigation to explore possible spying risks linked to the technology before any commitment to the deal was made.

This development at Warsaw Chopin Airport reflects not only a growing awareness regarding security in air travel but also highlights the critical importance of carefully evaluating the technological partnerships that are fundamental to maintaining safety in the aviation industry.