Heathrow Airport Completes Terminal 5 Checkpoint CT Scanner Deployment

Heathrow Airport has completed the operational deployment of 12 computed tomography security scanners across passenger checkpoints at Terminal 5. The installation forms part of the airport's wider £50 million terminal security modernisation programme, aimed at accelerating passenger processing times and eliminating the requirement for travellers to remove liquids and laptops from hand luggage. Airport operations confirmed that the advanced lane configuration is now live across all Terminal 5 central search zones. The upgraded equipment features automated tray return systems and integrated explosive detection algorithms calibrated to European Civil Aviation Conference Standard C3 specifications. Under the phased deployment schedule, security screening capacity at the terminal increases by approximately 30 per cent during peak departure periods. Engineering teams coordinated with airline operators to install the units overnight without disrupting scheduled morning flight departures. Terminal security leadership indicated that procurement tenders for identical systems across Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 will commence next quarter, completing the airport-wide transition ahead of revised Civil Aviation Authority operational deadlines. Facility managers reported that initial trial runs demonstrated substantial reductions in secondary bag inspection rates, enabling security officers to focus resources on targeted screening protocols and passenger assistance throughout the terminal concourse. The programme aligns with Department for Transport directives requiring major UK aviation hubs to deploy advanced security screening infrastructure across all domestic and international departure concourses.