Spain Security Screening Market Overview,2030

Spain’s security screening landscape has undergone significant transformation in the last two decades, shaped by growing border surveillance needs, rapid modernization of transportation infrastructure, and heightened emphasis on counterterrorism following the 2004 Madrid train bombings. The Spanish Ministry of the Interior, in coordination with the Civil Guard and the National Police Corps, has spearheaded large-scale adoption of security screening technologies across airports, ports, and railway hubs to ensure the safety of both citizens and critical supply chains. Security screening in Spain encompasses a combination of X-ray imaging, computed tomography, metal detection, and biometric verification technologies that detect weapons, explosives, and contraband in public and restricted zones. Major international airports such as Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez, Barcelona-El Prat, and Palma de Mallorca have implemented 3D computed tomography scanners and millimeter-wave imaging systems that allow passengers to pass through without removing electronic devices or liquids. At seaports like Algeciras, Valencia, and Bilbao, non-intrusive inspection systems are employed to scan containers and cargo trucks entering from North Africa and Latin America, reinforcing Spain’s position as a key gateway for European trade. Artificial intelligence, IoT, and cloud-based screening networks have been introduced to enhance real-time monitoring and data sharing among customs, airport, and law enforcement authorities. The introduction of biometric entry-exit systems, developed under the European Union Smart Borders initiative, enables facial recognition verification and automated passenger flow management. Safety certification and calibration are governed by the Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency, while data governance aligns with GDPR standards under the Spanish Data Protection Agency. Screening infrastructure also extends to nuclear energy sites, maritime borders, and major events like the Barcelona Mobile World Congress, where mobile and automated scanners are deployed to manage large crowds.

According to the research report, ""Spain Security Screening Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Spain Security Screening market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 270 Million by 2030.Industry leaders such as Indra Sistemas, Siemens Mobility, and Smiths Detection are central to the country’s screening modernization efforts, delivering integrated solutions across aviation, transport, and defense sectors. Indra Sistemas, in collaboration with AENA, has deployed AI-driven automated detection systems across Spanish airports, including Madrid-Barajas and Málaga-Costa del Sol, enhancing throughput efficiency and minimizing human error. At the Port of Valencia, Rapiscan Systems and Nuctech provide high-energy X-ray inspection systems that facilitate container scanning and trade compliance under EU customs regulations. In the defense sector, the Ministry of Defence utilizes portable explosive trace detectors and radiation sensors from Bruker and Polimaster to safeguard military depots and naval installations. The Guardia Civil’s Smart Border initiative has incorporated advanced biometric and facial recognition gates from IDEMIA at entry points along Spain’s southern coast and in the Canary Islands. Private contractors such as Prosegur and Securitas manage screening operations in commercial complexes, sports arenas, and energy facilities, integrating contactless access control systems with AI-based threat detection software from Evolv Technology. Collaborative research efforts between the Polytechnic University of Madrid and Thales Group have produced innovations in millimeter-wave imaging and behavioral analytics for crowd screening applications. Spain’s participation in the European Horizon 2020 program has supported the development of cloud-connected monitoring systems and quantum-enhanced sensing solutions designed for next-generation border and transportation security. Maintenance and calibration operations are coordinated by AENA’s in-house engineering teams and certified third-party service providers following European Civil Aviation Conference standards. Recent sustainability initiatives focus on the deployment of low-energy imaging systems and recyclable equipment materials to reduce carbon emissions.

In Spain the security screening market operates under the coordination of the Ministry of the Interior and the Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency which oversee baggage and cargo screening, personnel screening, and vehicle inspection across airports, ports, and land borders. Baggage and cargo screening is an essential part of national security and aviation operations, managed at major airports such as Adolfo Suárez Madrid Barajas, Barcelona El Prat, and Málaga Costa del Sol where all checked and carry-on luggage is screened for explosives and restricted items using advanced imaging systems operated by licensed private contractors under government supervision. Cargo screening plays a central role in logistics hubs such as Zaragoza Airport and Valencia Port where freight containers and air cargo shipments are scanned through high-energy imaging systems and trace detection technology to identify contraband or hazardous materials. Personnel screening in Spain encompasses both passenger and staff inspection processes at airports, railway stations, and maritime terminals, combining walk-through metal detectors, full-body scanners, and manual searches by the Guardia Civil and airport security teams to ensure compliance with European aviation safety standards. Similar procedures are implemented in public buildings, embassies, and stadiums such as Santiago Bernabéu and Camp Nou during large-scale events. Vehicle screening forms a significant part of Spain’s border and customs operations, especially at Gibraltar, La Línea de la Concepción, and the ports of Algeciras and Bilbao where customs officers use non-intrusive vehicle inspection systems, under-vehicle scanners, and radiation detectors to locate illegal goods, human trafficking attempts, or weapons. Vehicle inspection checkpoints are also set up at military bases, energy installations, and major event venues to ensure safe entry control. This multi-layered screening approach supports Spain’s strategy to safeguard the movement of passengers, goods, and vehicles through its extensive transport and border infrastructure while aligning with European Union security regulations.

Security screening in Spain employs a combination of detection technologies that enable authorities to identify a wide range of threats across transportation, logistics, and border security environments. X-ray imaging remains the most commonly used detection method in airports, ports, and postal facilities, providing security officers with visual data to identify concealed weapons, explosives, or contraband within luggage, parcels, or freight. Airports such as Madrid Barajas and Palma de Mallorca use multi-view X-ray systems for baggage inspection, while seaports like Valencia and Algeciras utilize large-scale cargo scanning systems to screen shipping containers arriving from Africa and Latin America. Computed tomography technology has been integrated into Spain’s aviation security system to enhance image accuracy and automate explosives detection, particularly in new airport terminals where passenger throughput continues to rise. Neutron sensing and detection is applied in specialized cases for identifying chemical compositions within freight containers or industrial materials, aiding customs and defense agencies in detecting hidden explosive compounds or illegal nuclear-related substances. Terahertz and millimeter-wave imaging systems are widely used in personnel screening operations, offering non-invasive detection of concealed items beneath clothing at airports, government buildings, and event venues while maintaining privacy standards established by Spanish and EU regulations. Other detection technologies used in Spain include explosives trace detection systems that analyze chemical residues on baggage or cargo, radiation detection systems at border crossings and seaports to prevent illicit trafficking of radioactive materials, and advanced chemical sensors that detect narcotics or biological agents. These technologies operate within an interconnected framework supported by data analysis software, enabling the Spanish authorities and customs agencies to respond rapidly to emerging threats while maintaining fluid movement of passengers and goods across the national transportation network.

The security screening infrastructure in Spain is composed of a wide range of equipment that supports national aviation security, customs enforcement, and public safety programs. Walk-through metal detectors are standard at all major airports including Madrid Barajas, Barcelona El Prat, and Gran Canaria where passengers and airport staff pass through checkpoints managed by security officers and Guardia Civil personnel. Hand-held metal detectors provide additional support for secondary inspections at airports, railway stations, and high-attendance venues such as Santiago Bernabéu Stadium or Palacio de Congresos. Full-body scanners using millimeter-wave technology are installed at key airports to detect non-metallic objects concealed beneath clothing and are operated under strict privacy compliance guidelines issued by Spanish aviation authorities. Explosives trace detection systems are widely used in baggage handling zones, cargo warehouses, and customs facilities where swab analysis detects explosive residue on luggage, parcels, or freight surfaces. Radiation detection equipment is deployed at ports such as Valencia, Bilbao, and Algeciras as well as at border inspection posts in Ceuta and Melilla to prevent the entry of unauthorized radioactive materials. Portable and mobile screening units are essential for temporary deployments during festivals, major sporting events, and border operations, allowing rapid setup of X-ray systems and explosive detectors at temporary control points or inspection areas. These mobile units are also used by the Guardia Civil and National Police for large-scale operations in transportation hubs and remote regions. Together these categories of equipment form the backbone of Spain’s screening infrastructure, providing flexibility, reliability, and technological capability to detect multiple threat types while ensuring efficient movement across airports, ports, and customs facilities under the supervision of national and regional security agencies.

In Spain security screening applications encompass mail and parcel inspection, baggage scanning, cargo and vehicle inspection, people screening, and explosives and narcotics detection across transport and public safety sectors. Mail and parcel screening is carried out in government offices, postal centers, and courier hubs in Madrid and Barcelona where letters and packages are analyzed using X-ray imaging and trace detection systems to identify explosive devices, biological threats, or illegal substances. Baggage scanning is one of the most critical functions of airport security, with all checked and carry-on baggage at Spanish airports passing through X-ray and computed tomography scanners operated by licensed private contractors in accordance with European Union aviation security standards. Cargo and vehicle inspection plays a crucial role in customs enforcement, particularly at ports such as Algeciras, Valencia, and Bilbao, where non-intrusive imaging systems and radiation detectors are used to check containers and trucks for contraband, weapons, or illegal migrants. People screening takes place at airports, train stations, and event venues where walk-through metal detectors, full-body scanners, and identity verification systems are employed to prevent the entry of prohibited items. Large-scale gatherings such as the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona and Seville’s Feria de Abril use enhanced screening procedures to ensure public safety. Explosives and narcotics detection operations are carried out jointly by the Guardia Civil, customs agents, and police canine units at airports, seaports, and border crossings, where handheld detectors and chemical analysis kits identify illegal drugs and explosive compounds. These applications operate through close coordination between national and regional authorities, ensuring that Spain’s transportation, trade, and public infrastructure remain secure through continuous surveillance, advanced detection technology, and interagency collaboration focused on threat prevention and operational resilience.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Securtiy Screening Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Baggage and Cargo Screening
• Personnel Screening
• Vehicle Screening

By Detection Technology
• X-ray
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Neutron Sensing and Detection
• Terahertz and Millimeter-wave
• Other Detection Technologies

By Equipment Type
• Walk-through Metal Detectors
• Hand-held Metal Detectors
• Full-body Scanners
• Explosives Trace Detection Systems
• Radiation Detection Equipment
• Portable / Mobile Screening Units

By Application
• Mail and Parcel
• Baggage Scanning
• Cargo and Vehicle Inspection
• People Screening
• Explosives and Narcotics Detection Show more