Heathrow completes security screening transformation with full rollout of advanced CT technology

Credit: Smiths Detection

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) has completed the full rollout of next generation CT security screening technology across all passenger terminals, marking a major milestone in its £1 billion airport wide technology upgrade programme.

As the largest airport in the world to fully transform its security screening process, Heathrow is now offering a smoother and faster experience for millions of passengers each year. The upgrade allows travellers to keep liquids of up to two litres and electronic devices such as laptops and tablets inside their hand luggage while passing through security.

The transformation has been delivered using advanced computed tomography scanners supplied by Smiths Detection, including the HI SCAN 6040 CTiX. The deployment has significantly reduced queues, simplified the screening process and lowered stress levels for passengers moving through the airport.

For travellers, the changes mean fewer tray steps, less unpacking and a more seamless journey through security, while maintaining the highest levels of safety. Heathrow’s system is now compliant with the C3 standard, the highest performance level for explosives detection systems for cabin baggage, enhancing both security effectiveness and passenger flow.

At the heart of the upgrade is the HI SCAN 6040 CTiX scanner, which combines high resolution volumetric imaging with advanced automatic threat recognition. The technology provides security officers with clearer and more detailed views of bag contents, reducing the need for manual bag searches and improving overall throughput without compromising safety.

Andy Evripides, Head of Market UK and Ireland at Smiths Detection, said the rollout builds on a long standing partnership and reflects a shared focus on security performance, operational efficiency and passenger experience.

The full deployment of CT technology forms part of Heathrow’s broader investment in innovation and infrastructure. The airport continues to modernise its operations to meet regulatory requirements, improve resilience and reinforce its position as a leading global aviation hub.

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