The airport announced on Friday that all security lanes across its four terminals are now equipped with the specialist scanners, making Heathrow the largest airport in the world to complete the full implementation of the technology.
The new CT scanners use high-resolution 3D imaging, allowing security staff to screen carry-on items without passengers having to unpack. Under the new system, passengers can keep items such as laptops, tablets, water bottles, and toiletries in their bags as they pass through security, provided queues allow.
The technology also supports the potential relaxation of long-standing liquid restrictions. Depending on national regulations, passengers may be allowed to carry containers of up to 2 litres, effectively ending the 20-year-old 100 ml liquid rule that was introduced in 2006 after a foiled militant plot involving liquid explosives at Heathrow.
The new scanners are being adopted by airports worldwide as part of efforts to speed up security and improve passenger experience. Major airports in New York, Hong Kong and Dubai have also begun using the technology.
Heathrow said the upgrade cost £1 billion ($1.35 billion) and comes as the airport continues to pursue approval for a new third runway, a project that has been at the centre of long-running debate over capacity and environmental impact.
The airport said the move aims to improve passenger flow, reduce wait times and enhance security screening efficiency as it continues to handle Europe’s busiest air traffic.