Heathrow Airport has completed a 1 billion GBP upgrade of its security screening systems, replacing passenger lanes in all four terminals with next-generation CT scanners.
The new equipment allows travellers to leave liquids and electronic devices in their hand luggage as they pass through security. Liquids can also now be in containers of up to 2 litres, replacing the previous 100ml rule.
The technology provides detailed images of cabin baggage, enabling staff to process passengers more efficiently while maintaining security standards. The scanners are capable of handling thousands of passengers per hour, and the change is expected to reduce the use of nearly 16 million single-use plastic bags annually.
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said:Every Heathrow passenger can now leave their liquids and laptops in their bags at security as we become the largest airport in the world to roll out the latest security scanning technology. That means less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journey – and millions fewer single-use plastic bags. This billion pound investment means our customers can be confident they will continue to have a great experience at Heathrow.
Heathrow’s upgrade is part of a broader investment programme aimed at preparing the airport for future growth and improving the passenger experience. The airport reported that in 2025, more than 97% of passengers waited less than five minutes at security, and over 98% of bags were loaded onto the correct flights, reflecting steady operational performance.
