Madrid-Barajas has reached a new milestone in the modernisation of its security controls. The airport manager Aena has brought the entirety of the new central security checkpoint in Terminal 4 into service, equipped with 36 EDSCB (Explosive Detection System Cabin Baggage) 3D computed tomography scanners and ATRS automated systems. Passengers therefore no longer have to take liquids or electronic devices out of their hand luggage for screening. The investment amounts to 10.3 million euros.
The central security area has been expanded from 2,500 to 6,500 m², complemented by an additional 647 m² space dedicated to the Fast Track service. A dedicated room now allows officers to manage inspections remotely.
Two new construction projects for €146m
At the same time, Aena's board of directors has approved the launch of two major call for tenders. The first, budgeted at 89.97 million euros for 35 months of works, concerns the extension of the Terminal 4 North platform. It will create new remote aircraft parking stands, with the construction of taxiways, thermal power plants and an electrical substation.
The second call for tenders, with a budget of 56.5 million euros over 24 months, will add three contact stands with boarding bridges at T4S, oriented towards non-Schengen traffic, and will increase the available floor area of the building's P10 level.
Target: 90 million annual passengers
These two projects mark the beginning of a new phase in the Madrid-Barajas expansion plan, the overall budget for which exceeds 4 billion euros. Aena is aiming for capacity to be increased to 90 million passengers per year. Of this total, 2.96 billion euros will be committed during the period covered by the 2027-2031 Airport Regulation Document (DORA). Subsequent phases provide for the refurbishment of the boarding areas in terminals T1, T2 and T3, as well as the preparation of infrastructure for future high-speed rail lines and extensions to the Madrid metro, with the aim of consolidating the airport's role as a European hub.
