Building the future of airport security: Lessons from Vancouver International Airport’s awardwinning checkpoint project

Abstract

As part of its strategy to deliver predictable, reliable operations and leverage new technologies to improve the passenger experience, Vancouver International Airport completed a full computed tomography (CT) conversion of its Domestic North screening checkpoint, its busiest and most operationally sensitive area, in 2024. This paper outlines how the airport delivered a seamless transformation despite an eight-month closure of the checkpoint. The project team managed complex and interdependent challenges, including capacity constraints, aging infrastructure, compressed construction windows, and the need for tight coordination across airport operations, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, airlines, contractors, and frontline teams. Through early strategy alignment, structured stakeholder workshops, digital modelling, real-time performance monitoring, daily cross-functional huddles, and comprehensive readiness practices, the airport maintained stable queues and predictable operations throughout the project. The successful delivery, recognised by industry awards, highlights how strong leadership behaviours, collaborative problem solving, and adaptive decision making can de-risk high-impact closures and support customer-focused modernisation. The lessons learned provide practical guidance for airports undertaking similar CT conversions or terminal infrastructure upgrades. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.