Heathrow bosses are to spend £50million on new explosives-detecting scanners which could end the need to remove liquids from bags at security
- Heathrow says the new scanners will be installed by 2022 to detect explosives
- Computed tomography is already being used to check luggage stored in holds
- Airport claims technology should cut queues at security and reduce plastic use
Published: 19:50 EDT, 5 June 2019 | Updated: 20:07 EDT, 5 June 2019
Air passengers may be able to keep liquids and laptops in their cabin bags when they go through security when more powerful scanners are deployed.
Heathrow says the new scanners will be installed by 2022 to detect explosives at a cost of £50million.
Computed tomography, which is used by doctors to examine organs and tissues, is already being used to check luggage stored in aircraft holds.
Air passengers may be able to keep liquids and laptops in their cabin bags should the new scanners be installed – instead of having to use plastic bags
Heathrow (pictured) said the technology should cut queues at security and reduce the amount of plastic bags used to store liquids
Scanners using the technology produce detailed, three-dimensional images at higher speeds than regular X-ray devices.
Heathrow said the technology should cut queues at security and reduce the amount of plastic bags used to store liquids. Other airports across Britain are expected to follow suit.
Chris Garton, Heathrow’s chief operations officer, said: ‘This cutting-edge kit will not only keep the airport safe but will mean that future passengers can keep their focus on getting on with their journeys and less time preparing for security screening.’
The liquids ban was introduced in 2006 after terrorists tried to blow up ten transatlantic planes using explosives hidden in soft drink bottles.
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