Heathrow completes £1 billion technology upgrade to speed up airport security

Heathrow Airport has finished a major £1bn investment to modernise passenger security screening across all of its terminals, introducing next-generation computed tomography (CT) scanners designed to improve speed and experience at security checkpoints.

image: Heathrow Airport

The airport has replaced traditional screening lanes in all four terminals with advanced CT technology, allowing travellers to leave liquids, laptops and electronics in their hand luggage as they pass through security. According to the airport, the new scanners can process thousands of passengers an hour and are expected to significantly reduce time at security.

Heathrow said the technology rollout makes it the largest airport in the world to fully implement the system across all its terminals. The upgrade is part of Heathrow’s wider long-term investment programme aimed at improving the passenger journey and preparing the site for future growth.

Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said the project would deliver a “faster, smoother security experience” for travellers, emphasising that passengers can now move through security without additional preparation.