βœ… Last verified: July 15, 2025

Airport Security & Liquid Rules in Spain (Live Map 2025)

πŸ” Quick Reference

βœ… No 100ml limit: Madrid (MAD), Palma (PMI)

⚠️ Mixed rules: Barcelona T1 (no limit), T2 (100ml)

πŸ“ 100ml rule applies: All other Spanish airports

πŸ”— Connection flights: Follow strictest airport rules

Modern airport security checkpoint in Spain showing CT scanner technology and liquid screening process

Spanish Airport Security Modernization

CT scanner rollout brings new liquid rules across Spain

Spanish Airports CT Scanner Status

AirportCodeCT StatusLiquid LimitNotes
Madrid-Barajas
Madrid
MADLiveNo 100ml limitCT scanners operational on all terminals since March 2025
Barcelona-El Prat
Barcelona
BCNPartial100ml rule appliesCT scanners in Terminal 1 only, Terminal 2 still 100ml
Palma de Mallorca
Palma
PMILiveNo 100ml limitFull CT scanner deployment completed June 2025
Seville
Seville
SVQStandard100ml rule appliesTraditional X-ray screening, CT upgrade planned 2026
Valencia
Valencia
VLCComing Soon100ml rule appliesCT scanner installation expected Q4 2025
Bilbao
Bilbao
BIOStandard100ml rule appliesTraditional screening, no CT timeline announced
Las Palmas
Gran Canaria
LASStandard100ml rule appliesStandard screening equipment in use
Tenerife South
Tenerife
TFSStandard100ml rule appliesTraditional X-ray machines, no upgrade scheduled

Legend:

  • Live: CT scanners operational, no 100ml limit
  • Partial: Some terminals have CT scanners
  • Coming Soon: CT installation planned/in progress
  • Standard: Traditional X-ray, 100ml rule applies

Mixed Itinerary Scenarios

❌ Follow 100ml Rule

  • Scenario: Barcelona T2 β†’ Madrid β†’ London
  • Rule: Pack following 100ml limit because of BCN T2
  • Reason: Must clear Barcelona security first

βœ… No 100ml Limit

  • Scenario: Madrid β†’ London (direct)
  • Rule: Can bring large liquids
  • Reason: Madrid has full CT deployment

πŸ”„ International Connections

Important: Even if you start at a CT scanner airport, your destination airport's rules may apply for connections. Always check the liquid policies for your final destination and any connection points.

What This Means For Your Travel

Before You Pack

  1. Check all airports on your itinerary, not just departure
  2. Terminal matters at Barcelona - verify which one you're using
  3. When in doubt follow the 100ml rule to avoid issues
  4. Declare large liquids even at CT scanner airports

At Security Checkpoints

  • Madrid/Palma: You can keep large liquids in carry-on bags
  • Barcelona T1: Large liquids OK, check terminal first
  • All other airports: Follow traditional 100ml rule
  • Electronics: CT airports may not require laptop removal

Special Cases

  • Medicines: Always allowed with declaration, regardless of scanner type
  • Baby food: Permitted above 100ml at all airports with proper screening
  • Duty-free liquids: Rules vary by connection airport - keep receipts

Detailed Airport Breakdown

βœ… Madrid-Barajas (MAD)

Status: Full CT deployment across all terminals

What you can bring: Liquids over 100ml allowed

Tips: Still remove large electronics if asked; declare large liquid containers

⚠️ Barcelona-El Prat (BCN)

Terminal 1: CT scanners - large liquids OK

Terminal 2: Traditional screening - 100ml rule

How to check: Terminal assignment usually on booking confirmation or airline app

βœ… Palma de Mallorca (PMI)

Status: Complete CT scanner installation

Effective: Since June 2025

Note: Popular for UK connections - verify your destination airport rules too

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring large liquids through Madrid or Palma airports?β–Ό
Yes! Madrid (MAD) and Palma (PMI) have full CT scanner deployment, so you can bring liquids over 100ml in carry-on. However, you must still declare them and they may be tested separately.
What happens on connecting flights with different rules?β–Ό
You must follow the strictest rules of your journey. If you connect through an airport without CT scanners, pack liquids following the 100ml rule from your origin airport.
Are electronics restrictions different at CT scanner airports?β–Ό
At airports with CT scanners, you typically don't need to remove laptops and electronics from bags, but always follow staff instructions as procedures can vary.
How do I know which terminal has CT scanners at Barcelona?β–Ό
Barcelona Terminal 1 has CT scanners (no 100ml limit), while Terminal 2 still uses traditional screening (100ml rule applies). Check your airline's terminal assignment.
What if I'm connecting from a non-CT airport to one with CT scanners?β–Ό
Pack according to the most restrictive airport on your route. If any leg of your journey uses traditional screening, follow the 100ml rule throughout.

Sources & Updates

Last verified: July 15, 2025

Sources:

  • β€’ Aena (Spanish airport operator) official announcements
  • β€’ Spanish Aviation Safety Agency updates
  • β€’ Individual airport security policy confirmations
  • β€’ Traveler reports and verification

Note: Airport security rules can change with little notice. Always verify current requirements with your airline or airport before travel. When in doubt, pack following the most restrictive rules on your itinerary.