![\"Heathrow](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/additional_1_df272e2f-c4bc-4861-adeb-c4932870c255_middle.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHeathrow Airport has joined a small but growing group of UK hubs that have fully deployed next-generation computed-tomography (CT) security scanners, ending the 100-millilitre liquid limit for every departing passenger. <\/p>\n
The \u00a31 billion programme, finished on 26 January 2026, involved replacing all security lanes in Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 with high-resolution CT machines that produce 3-D images of cabin bags. Security officers can now rotate and \u2018slice\u2019 the images, allowing them to spot explosives and other threats without requiring travellers to separate liquids and large electronic devices. Passengers may now leave laptops in their hand-luggage and carry containers of liquids and gels up to two litres\u201420 times the previous allowance. <\/p>\n
Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow\u2019s chief executive, said the scanners will \u201csave almost 16 million plastic bags a year\u201d and reduce queue times, a perennial complaint of business travellers connecting through the UK\u2019s busiest global hub. Airlines and retailers inside the terminals also expect higher customer-dwell times once the security pinch-point eases. <\/p>\n
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The rollout brings Heathrow into compliance with the Department for Transport\u2019s mandate that large airports install CT technology; it missed the original June 2024 deadline but becomes the world\u2019s biggest airport to complete a full-site conversion. Birmingham, Bristol, Gatwick and Edinburgh made the switch in 2025, and several regional airports plan to finish this year. Travellers are reminded, however, that the relaxed rules may not apply on their return legs from airports overseas where CT equipment has not yet been installed. <\/p>\n