Executivo 2000

Heathrow has become the largest airport in the world to fully roll out next-generation CT security scanners across all terminals.

From this week, passengers no longer need to remove liquids or laptops from their hand luggage at security. Containers of up to two litres can stay packed, ending a rule that has defined airport travel since 2006.

The scanners create high-resolution 3D images of bag contents, allowing security staff to screen items without unpacking. Heathrow says the change will significantly reduce queue times and cut stress at checkpoints, especially during peak departures.

The airport’s chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, said the upgrade means less time preparing for security and more time enjoying the journey. Heathrow estimates the change will also eliminate around 16 million single-use plastic bags each year.

The billion-pound upgrade follows years of delays caused by the pandemic and supply chain issues. Several UK airports already use similar systems, but Heathrow is the first mega hub to complete the rollout across all terminals.

For passengers, it marks the biggest security shift in a generation.