Heathrow becomes largest airport in the world to roll out new rules that will speed up terminal security waits

Containers holding up to two litres of liquid can now stay packed away, marking a huge change from previous restrictions.

The airport explained the new scanning equipment generates far more detailed images of bag contents, eliminating the need for items to be screened separately.

Restrictions on carrying liquids through airport security have been in place since 2006, when authorities thwarted a terrorist conspiracy to detonate homemade liquid explosives on transatlantic flights departing from London.

For nearly two decades, travellers had to limit liquids to 100ml containers and place them in clear plastic bags.

Large electronic devices, including tablets and laptops, also had to be removed and screened separately. Passengers who failed to follow these requirements were a major source of delays at security checkpoints.

The advanced CT scanning technology now gives more detailed imagery to make these precautions unnecessary.

Heathrow's chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, said: "Every Heathrow passenger can now leave their liquids and laptops in their bags at security as we become the largest airport in the world to roll out the latest security scanning technology.

"That means less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journey, and millions fewer single-use plastic bags.

"This billion-pound investment means our customers can be confident they will continue to have a great experience at Heathrow."

The airport estimates the new equipment will stop approximately 16 million single-use plastic bags from being used each year, delivering substantial environmental benefits alongside improved convenience for travellers.

This comes as other UK airports have already completed their own scanner upgrades, including Birmingham, Bristol, Gatwick and Edinburgh.

However, London City, Luton and Teesside currently operate systems that still require the 100ml liquid limit while awaiting regulatory approval for their equipment.

The rollout has faced considerable delays since Boris Johnson initially set a December 2022 deadline for major airports in August 2019.

Coronavirus travel restrictions caused significant disruption to the aviation sector, prompting then-transport secretary Mark Harper to extend the target to June 2024. Supply chain difficulties meant several airports required further extensions beyond that date.