Heathrow Airport Completes £1 Billion Security Scanner Rollout
Heathrow Airport has announced the completion of a massive £1 billion investment programme to install next-generation security scanners across all its terminals. The airport claims this makes it the largest in the world to deploy this advanced technology for all departing passengers.
Chief Executive Thomas Woldbye stated that this comprehensive package of upgrades will fundamentally transform the passenger experience. "This investment means our passengers can spend less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journey," he explained.
How the New Security Technology Works
The scanners utilise Computed Tomography (CT) technology similar to that used in medical settings, creating high-resolution three-dimensional images of cabin bag contents. Security staff can rotate these detailed images to identify potential threats without requiring passengers to unpack their luggage.
The system incorporates automated threat-detection software, significantly reducing the need for manual bag searches. Heathrow estimates the new scanners can process thousands of passengers hourly while maintaining rigorous safety and security standards.
What's Changed for Passengers
The most significant change involves what passengers can now keep inside their hand luggage during security screening:
- Liquids can remain in bags within containers up to two litres
- Laptops, tablets and other large electronic devices no longer need removal
- Clear plastic bags for liquids are no longer required
However, passengers should note some important limitations. Items in vacuum flasks may still need emptying, and while most security lanes now feature the new technology, some terminals might still use older systems. Passengers may also still be asked to remove coats and belts at checkpoints.
Why Airport Security Rules Are Changing
Liquid restrictions were originally introduced in 2006 following a foiled terror plot involving homemade liquid bombs on flights from London to the United States. The subsequent rules requiring 100ml liquid containers in clear plastic bags, along with laptop removal, became major causes of security delays as travellers frequently failed to comply or required additional checks.
Heathrow estimates the new scanners will save almost 16 million plastic bags annually, reducing both queue times and single-use plastic waste significantly.
Current Status Across UK Airports
While Heathrow celebrates its complete rollout, several other UK airports have already implemented similar upgrades:
- Birmingham Airport completed its scanner installation earlier
- Bristol Airport has finished its technology rollout
- Gatwick Airport implemented upgrades in recent years
- Edinburgh Airport has increased its liquid limits to two litres
However, not all airports operate under identical rules yet. Some airports including London City, Luton and Teesside have installed new scanners but still restrict liquids to 100ml containers pending regulatory approval of their specific systems.
The Rollout Journey and Challenges
The upgrade process has experienced multiple setbacks over several years. Originally in August 2019, then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson set a December 2022 deadline for most major UK airports to install the scanners, promising the 100ml rule would be scrapped. The coronavirus pandemic subsequently derailed these plans.
In December 2022, the Conservative government established a new June 2024 deadline, describing it as the "biggest shake-up of airport security rules in decades." Then-Transport Secretary Mark Harper declared the era of "tiny toiletries" was nearly over.
Reality proved more complicated. The June 2024 deadline proved unachievable for larger airports due to supply chain delays, though some smaller airports with fewer security lanes completed installations on schedule. Then on 13 June 2024, the government ordered smaller airports that had already dropped the 100ml rule to reinstate it, causing frustration among airport operators.
The European Union announced a return to the 100ml limit in July 2024, creating a period of inconsistency where passengers were advised to assume the 100ml rule still applied during last summer's travel season.
Important Note: Heathrow's rule change applies exclusively to flights departing from the airport. Passengers are strongly advised to check security restrictions at other airports, including for return flights to the United Kingdom, as regulations continue to vary between locations.
