Heathrow completes £1bn security tech upgrade

Image courtesy Heathrow

Passengers travelling through all terminals at Heathrow no longer need to remove liquids or electronics from their hand luggage, or juggle plastic bags at security. 

Heathrow has become the largest airport in the world to fully roll out next-generation CT security scanners – Smiths Detection’s 3D X-ray scanner, the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX – in a move that promises faster queues, less stress and a smoother start to journeys for millions of travellers.
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The £1 billion upgrade has seen passenger security lanes across all four of Heathrow’s terminals replaced with state-of-the-art CT scanners, capable of servicing thousands of passengers an hour with significantly greater efficiency, while maintaining high safety and security standards.

Above: Smiths Detection’s 3D X-ray scanner, the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX.
Courtesy Smiths Detection

The new technology allows passengers to move through checkpoints more quickly by providing even better images of cabin baggage, cutting preparation time and easing pressure during peak travel periods.

It is estimated to save almost 16 million plastic bags per year which will no longer need to be used.

What this means for passengers:

• Liquids up to two litres remain in cabin bags
• Electronic devices, including laptops and tablets, stay in bags
• Fewer tray steps and a smoother, faster journey through security

The transformation marks a major milestone in Heathrow’s long-term investment programme, designed to deliver a world-class passenger experience and prepare the airport for future growth and increased capacity. Last year, Heathrow was crowned Europe’s most punctual hub airport, with over 97% of passengers waiting less than five minutes for security, in addition to maintaining its position as the world’s most connected hub airport. 
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Baggage performance improved to over 98% load rate in 2025, putting an extra quarter of a million bags on their intended flights compared to 2024, meaning smoother, more reliable journeys across the year for passengers and airlines. 

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."

Andy Evripides, Head of Market UK and Ireland, Smiths Detection, said: “We are proud to support Heathrow’s journey toward modernised screening with the HI SCAN 6040 CTiX, building on a relationship that has spanned many years. Achieving C3 compliance is a shared milestone that demonstrates our joint focus on strong security, operational efficiency and an improved passenger experience.”