Heathrow rolls out new security scanners; scraps 100 ml liquid limit
Dhaka: London’s Heathrow Airport has officially scrapped the long-standing 100 ml limit on liquids in hand luggage after completing the installation of new CT security scanners across all terminals.
The rollout marks the completion of a GBP 1 billion investment, equivalent to USD 1.36 billion, making it the largest airport in the world to deploy the technology for all departing passengers. The change applies to all terminals at Heathrow, including Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5, and is now in effect for every traveler passing through airport security.
According to the airport, the new CT scanners produce more detailed images of items inside luggage, allowing security officers to identify potential threats without separating liquids or large electronic devices.
Therefore, passengers can now carry liquids in containers of up to two liters through security without removing them from their cabin bags. However, refillable metal or double-walled containers must still be emptied before security checks and may be refilled after clearing the screening area.
Passengers are also no longer required to remove laptops, tablets, or other large electronic devices from their bags during screening. Electronic devices must be sufficiently charged, as items that fail to power on during security checks may not be permitted on board the aircraft.
Liquid restrictions at UK airports were first introduced in 2006 following a foiled terrorist plot involving liquid explosives on flights departing from London to the United States.
Earlier, several other UK airports, including Birmingham, Bristol, Gatwick, and Edinburgh, also completed the rollout of similar scanners and eased liquid restrictions for passengers.
Some airports, such as London City, Luton, and Teesside, have introduced the new scanners but are still enforcing the 100 ml limit while awaiting full regulatory approval.
Heathrow said confusion over liquid rules has been one of the main causes of delays at airport security checkpoints in recent years. The airport estimated the new system will save nearly 16 million single-use plastic bags annually.
Heathrow Chief Executive Thomas Woldbye said the upgrade allows passengers to move through security more smoothly and spend less time preparing for screening.
The nationwide rollout faced delays after an initial December 2022 deadline due to pandemic disruption and supply chain issues before Heathrow completed the project.
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