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New Heathrow Airport security tech to allow passengers keep liquids and laptops in bags

Heathrow Airport in the UK has announced plans for new equipment which could allow passengers to ...
Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

12.05 6 Jun 2019


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New Heathrow Airport security...

New Heathrow Airport security tech to allow passengers keep liquids and laptops in bags

Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

12.05 6 Jun 2019


Share this article


Heathrow Airport in the UK has announced plans for new equipment which could allow passengers to keep laptops and liquids in their bags while passing through security.

Officials at the airport - the world's second biggest by international passenger traffic - say they're investing more than £50 million (€56.5 million) in 'next-generation' computed tomography (CT) equipment.

The technology creates more detailed images for security screening than the devices currently in common use, meaning liquids and laptops may no longer have to be removed and scanned separately.

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With support from the UK's transport department, Heathrow authorities will roll out the new technology over the next few years - with an end goal of having it installed in all the airport's terminals by 2022.

It's also hoped it will cut down on the time required for security, as well as significantly reducing the amount of single-use plastic bags currently required for passengers to place liquids in.

However, airport authorities also stress there would still be cases where additional screening would have to be carried out by security officers.

Heathrow chief operations officer, Chris Garton, explained: "Heathrow has a proud history of investing in making every journey better and that’s why we’re delighted to be rolling out our new CT equipment.

"This cutting-edge kit will not only keep the airport safe with the latest technology, but will mean that our future passengers can keep their focus on getting on with their journeys and less time preparing for security screening."

The new technology is already in use at a number of US airports, including Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson and Chicago O’Hare.

Main image: File photo of security checkpoint at Heathrow Airport. Picture by: Steve Parsons/PA Archive/PA Images

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