These new scanners bring a notable convenience for passengers, as they no longer need to remove liquids, laptops, and large electronic devices from their hand luggage during security checks
Over the past year, London Airport has seen a significant improvement in security wait times, cutting them in half on average. This positive change follows the airport’s transition to new CT security scanners, making it one of the first in the UK to complete this upgrade.
These new scanners bring a notable convenience for passengers, as they no longer need to remove liquids, laptops, and large electronic devices from their hand luggage during security checks. Additionally, travelers are now permitted to carry up to two-liter containers, a stark departure from the long-standing 100ml limit in place for nearly two decades.
According to a report by London’s Evening Standard newspaper, the collective time saved from queuing over the past year due to these new scanners amounts to more than ten years. Remarkably, the average security clearance wait time at London City Airport now stands at just three-and-a-half minutes.
London City Airport had aimed to lead the charge in this security upgrade, rolling out its new scanners ahead of the summer season in 2023. However, Teesside Airport managed to claim the title of being the first UK airport to fully eliminate the 100ml liquid rule back in March 2023.
Alison FitzGerald, serving as London City’s interim co-chief executive and chief operating officer, expressed the airport’s dedication to providing the fastest, simplest, and most efficient airport experience in the UK. She expressed her delight with the positive outcomes of the upgrade.
The successful implementation of the new scanners at London City Airport offers a promising glimpse into the future of travel. Unfortunately, this anticipated progress was not realized universally, as the UK government recently admitted that several major airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester, would not meet the initial June 1st deadline for completing their upgrades.
Consequently, these airports have been granted an extended timeframe, with the government warning of strict financial penalties should they fail to meet the revised targets. This delay serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in upgrading security infrastructure across large-scale airport operations.
