State-of-the-Art Scanners Deliver Faster, Smoother Security
Heathrow Airport has completed a landmark £1 billion technology upgrade that places the UK at the forefront of aviation security innovation. Across all four terminals, Heathrow is now the largest airport in the world to fully install next-generation computed tomography (CT) security scanners for passenger luggage. These scanners deliver high-resolution 3D images of cabin bags, allowing passengers to keep liquids and electronics inside their bags when passing through security. This dramatically reduces preparation stress, cuts queue times and modernises the passenger experience across the UK’s global gateway.
Investment in Technology That Benefits Every Traveller
The new CT technology can process thousands of passengers per hour while maintaining the highest standards of safety and threat detection. By eliminating the need for plastic trays and single-use plastic bags, Heathrow estimates it will save almost 16 million plastic bags a year—a win for both passengers and the environment.
Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow’s CEO, explained that this upgrade means travellers can spend less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journey. It also confirms Heathrow’s commitment to delivering a world-class, hassle-free travel experience that keeps Britain ahead in global aviation.
Part of a Broader Plan to Modernise Britain’s Hub
This £1bn investment is part of Heathrow’s broader long-term programme to enhance operations, improve punctuality and support future growth. Recent performance figures show Heathrow as Europe’s most punctual hub airport, with over 97% of passengers waiting less than five minutes at security. Baggage handling reliability also improved, with more than 98% of bags loaded on the correct flight in 2025, reducing lost luggage and smoothing journeys for millions of passengers and airlines alike.
Britain’s Global Gateway is Future-Ready
In a competitive global aviation environment, Heathrow’s tech-led upgrades reinforce the UK’s role as a world-leading travel hub. By investing in innovation and passenger experience, Heathrow is delivering measurable benefits for travellers while supporting British industry and setting a high bar for airports worldwide.
