More than 23 million passengers are expected to pass through Heathrow Airport this summer, and the UK’s busiest hub is rolling out a series of significant upgrades and new additions designed to make the experience faster, more comfortable and more enjoyable for travellers of all kinds.
Faster Security and Smoother Immigration
The most substantial change passengers will notice this summer is the completion of Heathrow’s £1 billion security overhaul. For the first time, next-generation computed tomography (CT) scanning equipment is operational across every terminal, meaning travellers no longer need to remove liquids or large electronic devices — such as laptops — from their hand luggage before going through the scanners. The upgrade has already had a measurable impact: 97% of passengers are now clearing security in under five minutes, according to the airport.
Immigration procedures for families have also been eased. Children aged eight and above can now use eGates at Heathrow, provided they hold an eligible passport and are travelling with an adult. The change is intended to reduce queuing times at Passport Control for families arriving in the UK.
Passengers are advised, however, to check with their specific airline regarding new battery rules, as some carriers now require items such as power banks, e-cigarettes and spare batteries to be kept in hand luggage and within reach during flights.
New Routes, Airlines and Airport Lounges
Heathrow, which serves 230 destinations in more than 80 countries, has added several new direct routes this summer. Travellers can now fly from Heathrow to Seville in Spain, Tivat on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, St. Louis in the United States, and the Channel Island of Guernsey. Additional services to Lahore and Islamabad expand options for those travelling to Pakistan to visit friends and family.
Alaska Airlines has launched a new daily service between Heathrow and Seattle, marking the American carrier’s entry into the airport’s network. Later in the year, Xiamen Air is scheduled to begin a new route between Heathrow and Xiamen, China, in September.
The lounge offer at Heathrow has also been refreshed. Virgin Atlantic unveiled a refurbished version of its Clubhouse earlier in 2026, incorporating a redesigned cinema area, dedicated work pods and a Royal Box VIP space. Air France opened its first branded premium lounge in Terminal 4 in July, offering French-inspired cuisine and complimentary Clarins treatments.
New Dining, Shopping and Family Perks
Terminal 2 is gaining two new food and drink venues this summer. Bill’s restaurant has already opened, offering all-day dining in a relaxed setting. A new Wetherspoons — representing a £3.5 million investment — is also set to open at Terminal 2, providing a budget-friendly option before departure.
At Terminal 5, a Wagamama ‘on the move’ kiosk is now operating, selling travel-friendly versions of the Pan-Asian chain’s popular dishes. A new Pret A Manger is expected to open in Terminal 5 Arrivals by the end of July, catering to passengers who have just landed. Retail fans can also look forward to the arrival of Miniso at Terminal 5 — the global lifestyle and product brand, known for its plush toys, beauty lines and licensed collections including Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll characters.
Families travelling with children have additional reasons to feel catered for. Heathrow staff will be distributing free colouring books to young passengers throughout July and August, and each terminal features a free Stay and Play zone beyond security, with soft play equipment, slides and separate areas for toddlers and older children.
A Kids Eat Free promotion is running across many of Heathrow’s restaurants from 20 July to 1 September. When an adult purchases a main meal, children can eat at no charge at participating venues including Giraffe, Jones the Grocer, Co-Pilots Bar and Kitchen, and Wild Olive. A full list of participating restaurants is available at heathrow.com/at-the-airport/restaurants-a-z/kids-eat-free.
Across all terminals, Heathrow’s ‘Here to Help’ team — identifiable by their purple vests — will be positioned throughout the airport to assist passengers with directions and queries during the busy summer period.
Daniel Edwards, Director of Airport Journeys at Heathrow, said: “Summer is one of our busiest and most exciting times of year, and we want to make every journey through Heathrow smooth and enjoyable. From faster security lanes to more places to shop, eat and relax, we’re always looking for ways to help our passengers get their travels off to a great start.”
Further details about summer offerings at Heathrow can be found at heathrow.com.
