Heathrow Airport has completed a landmark £1 billion technology upgrade, becoming the largest airport in the world to fully roll out next-generation CT security scanners across all terminals. The transformation eliminates the long-standing requirement for passengers to remove liquids and electronic devices from their hand luggage, significantly improving speed, convenience, and overall passenger experience.
Passengers travelling through all four Heathrow terminals can now pass through security without unpacking laptops, tablets, or liquids, and without using plastic bags. The new scanners provide enhanced 3D imaging of cabin baggage, allowing security officers to process passengers more efficiently while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
The investment replaces every passenger security lane with state-of-the-art CT scanners, capable of handling thousands of passengers per hour, reducing congestion during peak travel periods and easing stress at checkpoints. Heathrow estimates the upgrade will eliminate the use of nearly 16 million single-use plastic bags each year, delivering a significant environmental benefit.
This milestone forms part of Heathrow’s long-term investment programme aimed at delivering a world-class airport experience and supporting future growth. The airport’s operational performance has already shown strong improvements, with Heathrow being named Europe’s most punctual hub airport last year. Over 97% of passengers waited less than five minutes at security, while baggage performance exceeded 98% load reliability in 2025, ensuring more luggage arrived on intended flights compared to the previous year.
Commenting on the achievement, 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.”
The completed rollout reinforces Heathrow’s position as the world’s most connected hub airport, while setting a new global benchmark for airport security efficiency, sustainability, and passenger comfort.
🔑 Key Highlights
- £1bn technology upgrade completed across all Heathrow terminals
- Heathrow becomes the world’s largest airport to fully deploy CT security scanners
- Passengers no longer need to remove liquids or electronics from hand luggage
- Faster security processing with enhanced safety and 3D baggage imaging
- Estimated saving of nearly 16 million plastic bags annually
- Over 97% of passengers waited under five minutes at security last year
- 98% baggage load reliability achieved in 2025
- Supports Heathrow’s long-term growth and premium passenger experience strategy
