North America Airport Full Body Scanner Market – Segmented By Technology (Backscatter X-Ray Scanner, Millimeter Wave Scanner), By Airport (Cargo Service Airport, General Aviation Airport, Commercial Airport, Reliever Airport), By Country, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F

Market Overview:

North America Airport Full Body Scanner Market was valued at USD 109.41 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 166.60 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 7.26% during the forecast period. The airport full body scanner market is witnessing significant momentum as rising global air travel volumes push for advanced security solutions capable of detecting concealed threats with speed and accuracy. Growth is largely driven by the increasing emphasis on passenger safety, the need for streamlined security processes, and continuous innovation in scanning technologies that enhance detection capabilities while maintaining passenger convenience. Trends shaping the industry include the integration of AI-powered image analysis for faster threat recognition, the shift toward millimeter wave scanners that reduce health concerns compared to X-ray systems, and the growing demand for touchless and privacy-conscious solutions.

Market Drivers

Increasing Air Travel

The rapid growth in global air travel has created intense pressure on airports to handle higher passenger volumes without compromising safety. Full body scanners are emerging as a critical solution, offering quick and efficient screening processes that detect concealed weapons, explosives, and prohibited items with minimal delay. Airports face growing expectations from travelers for seamless yet secure journeys, which makes advanced scanners valuable in balancing convenience and protection. The increased incidence of sophisticated smuggling attempts and evolving threat types further intensifies the demand for next-generation scanning systems that can identify threats invisible to traditional metal detectors. For instance, United States air traffic system manages an extensive volume of operations each year, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) handling over 16 million flights annually. On average, around 44,360 flights occur daily, with peak operational times seeing approximately 5,500 aircraft simultaneously in the sky. The U.S. domestic airspace spans 5.3 million square miles, supported by 527 airport traffic control towers and over 14,000 air traffic controllers who ensure safe and efficient movement across the national airspace system.

Technological Advancements in Imaging Systems

Innovation in imaging systems is reshaping the role of airport full body scanners by making them faster, more accurate, and more user-friendly. The shift toward millimeter wave technology has significantly improved detection efficiency, as it uses non-ionizing radio waves that eliminate concerns about radiation exposure. These systems can scan passengers within seconds and detect both metallic and non-metallic items with precision. AI-powered image analysis and machine learning integration further enhance scanner performance by automating threat detection, reducing reliance on manual operator judgment, and minimizing false positives. Automated alerts help streamline security processes, ensuring consistency while allowing staff to focus on actual risks. Modern scanners also prioritize passenger comfort and privacy, using software that presents generic outlines instead of detailed body images.

Emphasis on Passenger Safety and Privacy

Passenger safety remains a central concern in the aviation industry, and airports are under pressure to adopt systems that provide effective protection while respecting individual rights. Full body scanners are designed to meet this dual requirement by detecting hidden threats while incorporating privacy-enhancing features. Modern scanners replace revealing images with generic avatars, ensuring that passengers are screened without exposing personal details. This evolution helps alleviate public concerns about invasive screening methods while maintaining compliance with international privacy regulations. Beyond privacy, the safety aspect is reinforced through the adoption of non-invasive technologies that avoid harmful radiation, reassuring passengers about their well-being. The ability of these scanners to quickly identify dangerous objects, including non-metallic explosives and contraband, directly addresses the safety mandate of aviation authorities and airport operators.

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Key Market Challenges

High Cost of Installation and Maintenance

The implementation of full body scanners involves significant financial commitments, creating a barrier for widespread adoption. The initial purchase price of advanced scanners is high due to their sophisticated imaging technologies, AI integration, and compliance with strict aviation standards. Beyond acquisition, airports face ongoing expenses for maintenance, software upgrades, calibration, and operator training to ensure scanners perform at peak efficiency. These costs can be particularly burdensome for smaller airports with limited budgets, leading them to delay or limit investments in such systems. Furthermore, the integration of new scanners into existing infrastructure may require structural modifications, adding to capital expenditure. High maintenance costs also arise from the complexity of the equipment, as even minor malfunctions can disrupt screening processes and cause delays.

Privacy and Public Acceptance Concerns

Despite technological progress, privacy remains one of the most sensitive challenges in the adoption of full body scanners. Early systems raised concerns by generating detailed body images, which many passengers perceived as invasive and humiliating. While advancements now use generic avatars to protect personal identity, skepticism among certain travelers persists, creating hesitation toward these technologies. Airports must work harder to educate passengers about the non-intrusive nature of modern scanners and their compliance with global privacy standards. Another aspect of this challenge is cultural acceptance, as different groups may have varying comfort levels with body scanning procedures. Even with privacy protections, some individuals continue to view scanning as a violation of personal space.

Key Market Trends

Shift Toward Touchless Security Screening

Airports are increasingly embracing touchless technologies to enhance passenger experiences and streamline security processes. Full body scanners are evolving to support touchless operations, minimizing physical interaction while ensuring accurate detection of prohibited items. This shift not only improves hygiene standards but also reduces discomfort among passengers who prefer minimal contact during travel. Touchless screening integrates with biometric identity verification, creating seamless checkpoints where travelers can be identified and screened simultaneously. Such systems are capable of processing passengers faster, reducing bottlenecks at busy terminals. By removing the need for manual pat-downs, these scanners improve efficiency while maintaining passenger dignity. The adoption of touchless solutions is also supported by broader digital transformation initiatives in airports, where automation and smart systems are becoming standard.

Integration with Biometric and Digital Identity Systems

A major trend shaping the future of airport security is the integration of full body scanners with biometric and digital identity systems. Airports are increasingly deploying biometric checkpoints that verify identity through facial recognition, iris scans, or fingerprints. By linking full body scanners with these systems, security checks can be conducted more efficiently, reducing the need for manual document verification. This integration enhances security by ensuring accurate identity validation while simultaneously screening for concealed items. It also supports the creation of smart airport ecosystems where passenger journeys are streamlined from check-in to boarding. The fusion of biometric data with scanner results creates a holistic security layer that strengthens both safety and operational efficiency.

Development of Portable and Flexible Scanning Systems

Another important trend in the market is the move toward portable and adaptable full body scanners that can be deployed across different airport environments. Traditional scanners are often bulky and fixed in place, limiting their flexibility in handling varying passenger traffic. Portable units, however, allow airports to adjust screening capacity based on demand, making them useful during peak travel seasons or special security operations. These compact systems are designed for easy relocation, offering temporary solutions during construction, upgrades, or emergency scenarios. Their deployment is not limited to airports alone, as they can also be used for events or other high-security environments. The flexibility of portable scanners supports operational efficiency while maintaining the same detection accuracy as larger systems.

Segmental Insights

Airport Insights

In 2024, commercial airports dominate the adoption of full body scanners as they handle the highest volume of passenger traffic and face the greatest pressure to maintain stringent security standards. For instance, in 2025, Canadian tourism to Mexico jumped 11.8% in the first half of the year to 1.68 million visitors, making Canada the second-largest source market as many travelers shifted from the US amid an ongoing boycott. These airports operate as primary hubs for domestic and international travel, where passenger safety, smooth processing, and regulatory compliance are critical priorities. The large-scale movement of travelers through commercial terminals creates a heightened risk of security breaches, which drives the demand for advanced scanning technologies capable of detecting metallic and non-metallic threats with speed and accuracy. Full body scanners in these environments support faster passenger throughput, reduce the reliance on manual checks, and help maintain trust in airport security infrastructure.

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Country Insights

In 2024, the United States dominates North America airport full body scanner market due to its extensive air traffic volumes and strong emphasis on aviation security. The country manages some of the busiest airports in the world, creating a pressing need for efficient and reliable screening systems capable of processing millions of passengers daily. Stringent federal regulations require the deployment of advanced security measures, making full body scanners a standard feature across major hubs. The focus on integrating scanners with biometric identity systems and touchless technologies further strengthens adoption, ensuring security checks are both thorough and efficient. Investment in airport modernization and large-scale infrastructure projects also sustains the leadership of the United States in the market. For instance, major US airports are undergoing massive upgrades with multi-billion-dollar projects. Los Angeles International is finalizing a $30bn program, including a $2.6bn automated people mover and $1.3bn car rental facility. Salt Lake City International, the first new US hub of the 21st century, is a $4.1bn replacement airport finishing Phase 2 in 2024. San Francisco International is investing $1.36bn in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 and International Terminal upgrades. Portland International’s $1.5bn main terminal features a nine-acre sustainable wood roof, while Pittsburgh International’s $1.4bn terminal opens in 2025. Denver International’s $1.3bn Great Hall project adds new ticketing and security areas, and Houston George Bush Intercontinental is completing the $1.3bn Mickey Leland International Terminal in 2024. Philadelphia International also spent $24m upgrading 30 restrooms.

Canada represents the second largest market, supported by its commitment to enhancing passenger safety and improving airport operations. Canadian airports have steadily expanded the use of advanced screening systems to handle rising international travel demand while aligning with global aviation security standards. The country’s focus on balancing security with passenger comfort has driven interest in millimeter wave scanners and AI-based solutions that deliver accurate results while protecting privacy.

Recent Developments

• ​In 2025, Mexico City International Airport (AICM) launched a MX$8 billion (US $392 million) renovation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, covering Terminals 1 and 2, runways, taxiways, and the control tower. With 75 construction projects and 24 major equipment upgrades, the work began mid-2025 and is set to finish by May 2026, ensuring improvements without disrupting operations.
• In 2025, Air Canada is launching its most ambitious winter expansion into Latin America to date, unveiling four new destinations and 13 fresh routes—boosting seat capacity by 16 percent year-over-year.
• In 2025, Mexico announced plans for five new airports in Guanajuato, Baja California, Jalisco, and Quintana Roo, including San Miguel de Allende, Ensenada, Costa Alegre, Lagos de Moreno, and a proposed site near Isla Mujeres, with feasibility and environmental studies underway.
• In 2025, Canada introduced a new policy to attract private investment into its National Airports System, enabling subleases, service contracts, and authority subsidiaries to modernize infrastructure, speed development, and boost economic growth.

Key Market Players

• L3Harris Technologies, Inc
• Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
• Tek84 Inc.
• Westminster Group Plc
• Smiths Detection Group Limited
• Mistral Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
• LINEV Group
• Brijot Imaging Systems
• Nuctech Technology Co., Ltd.
• Braun and Company Limited

Report Scope:

In this report, North America Airport Full Body Scanner Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

•           North America Airport Full Body Scanner Market, By Technology:

o    Backscatter X-Ray Scanner

o    Millimeter Wave Scanner

•           North America Airport Full Body Scanner Market, By Airport:

o    Cargo Service Airport

o    General Aviation Airport

o    Commercial Airport

o    Reliever Airport

•           North America Airport Full Body Scanner Market, By Country:

o    United States

o    Canada

o    Mexico

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in North America Airport Full Body Scanner Market.

Available Customizations:

North America Airport Full Body Scanner Market report with the given market data, Tech Sci Research offers customizations according to the company’s specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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