Heathrow Scraps 100ml Liquid Limit Following £1 Billion Security Overhaul

Heathrow Airport has officially announced the completion of a massive security upgrade across all four of its terminals, marking the end of the restrictive 100ml liquid limit for departing passengers. According to an official press release issued on January 23, 2026, the airport has finalized a £1 billion investment to install next-generation Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, positioning itself as the largest airport in the world to fully deploy this technology across its entire operation.

The upgrade fundamentally changes the pre-flight experience for millions of travelers. Under the new regulations, passengers departing from Heathrow can now carry liquids in containers of up to 2 liters in their hand luggage. Additionally, large electronic devices such as laptops and tablets no longer need to be removed from bags during screening. The airport states that this move will not only streamline the security process but also significantly reduce single-use plastic waste.

Next-Generation Security Technology

The core of this upgrade involves the installation of advanced CT scanners, similar to technology used in medical environments. These machines generate detailed 3D images of cabin baggage, allowing security officers to rotate and analyze the contents on-screen without requiring passengers to physically separate items.

In its announcement, Heathrow confirmed that the requirement to place liquids in clear plastic bags has been eliminated. This operational shift is expected to have a substantial environmental impact. The airport estimates that removing the plastic bag mandate will save approximately 16 million single-use plastic bags annually.

Operational Efficiency Gains

Data released by the airport suggests the new technology is already delivering performance improvements. Heathrow reported that in 2025, it was named “Europe’s most punctual hub airport.” During that period, more than 97% of passengers waited less than five minutes for security screening. Furthermore, the airport noted that its baggage load rate improved to over 98% in 2025, indicating a reduction in missed bags.

Thomas Woldbye, CEO of Heathrow, highlighted the significance of the milestone in a statement included in the press release:

“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.”

AirPro News Analysis: Context and Traveler Advisory

While the completion of this project is a major achievement for UK aviation infrastructure, it comes after significant industry-wide delays. The UK government originally set a deadline of June 2024 for major airports to install this technology. Like Gatwick, Manchester, and Stansted, Heathrow faced logistical hurdles, including supply chain issues and the need to reinforce floors to support the heavy scanners, that pushed the completion date to January 2026.

The “One-Way” Rule Caveat

Travelers must remain vigilant regarding the limitations of this new rule. The ability to carry liquids up to 2 liters applies only to passengers departing from Heathrow. Many international destinations, as well as other airports within the UK and EU, may not have completed their upgrades.

Passengers transferring through other hubs or returning to Heathrow from airports without CT scanners will still be subject to the traditional 100ml liquid limit. Consequently, purchasing large liquids duty-free or packing full-sized toiletries in carry-on luggage could result in confiscation at the return airport or a connecting security checkpoint. We recommend checking the specific security regulations of all airports on your itinerary before packing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to put liquids in a plastic bag at Heathrow?
No. The requirement to use clear plastic bags for liquids has been eliminated for departures from Heathrow.

What is the new liquid limit?
Passengers can now carry liquids in containers of up to 2 liters in their hand luggage.

Do I need to take my laptop out of my bag?
No. Laptops, tablets, and other large electronics can remain inside your cabin baggage during the screening process.

Does this apply to my return flight?
Not necessarily. These rules apply to departures from Heathrow. You must check the rules of the airport you are flying back from, as many still enforce the 100ml limit.

Sources

• Heathrow Airport Press Release

This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and Tim Hepher.

Report: AirAsia Nears Deal for 100 Airbus A220 Jets

AirAsia is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire approximately 100 Airbus A220 aircraft, a move that would signify a major strategic pivot for the Southeast Asian budget carrier. According to exclusive reporting by Reuters, the airline is “closing in” on the agreement, which would mark its first entry into the dedicated regional jet market.

Industry sources indicate that the deal could be finalized soon, with the upcoming Singapore Airshow, scheduled for February 3–8, 2026, viewed as a probable venue for an official announcement. If completed, this acquisition would diversify AirAsia’s fleet, which has been dominated by larger narrowbody aircraft for over a decade.

Details of the Potential Acquisition

The reported agreement involves a firm order for around 100 jets. While specific variants have not been confirmed by the airline, industry analysis suggests the carrier is targeting the A220-300, the larger variant of the family, which is favored by low-cost carriers for its higher seating capacity and unit cost efficiency.

Based on 2025 list prices, a deal for 100 A220-300 jets would be valued at approximately $9.15 billion. However, large-scale orders of this magnitude typically attract significant discounts from manufacturers, meaning the actual transaction value would likely be substantially lower.

“Airbus is closing in on a deal to sell around 100 A220 jets to AirAsia…”

, Reporting by Tim Hepher, Reuters

This potential order comes as AirAsia completes a significant corporate restructuring. In January 2026, AirAsia X completed its acquisition of Capital A’s aviation assets, consolidating short-haul and long-haul operations under a unified “AirAsia Group” umbrella. This streamlined structure appears to be facilitating a more cohesive, group-wide fleet strategy.

Strategic Rationale: Right-Sizing the Network

For years, AirAsia has operated a standardized fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. The introduction of the A220 would represent a departure from the single-type fleet model often strictly adhered to by low-cost carriers (LCCs). However, the move aligns with a post-pandemic industry trend toward “right-sizing” capacity.

The A220-300, typically seating between 130 and 160 passengers, sits below the capacity of the A320neo (180+ seats). This allows the airline to:

• Serve Thinner Routes: Profitably operate on routes where demand is insufficient to fill an A320 but too high for turboprops.
• Open New Markets: Utilize the A220’s range (up to 3,450 nautical miles) to connect secondary cities in Indonesia, Vietnam, and potentially Northern Australia directly to major hubs like Kuala Lumpur.
• Improve Efficiency: Leverage the aircraft’s reported 25% reduction in fuel burn per seat compared to previous-generation jets, supporting the group’s sustainability and cost-reduction goals.

AirPro News Analysis

The Shift from Volume to Precision

We view this potential order as a signal that AirAsia is moving from a “survival mode” strategy to one of “smart growth.” Historically, LCCs in Southeast Asia have chased volume on trunk routes using the largest possible narrowbodies (like the A321). By opting for the A220, AirAsia acknowledges that the next phase of growth lies in connecting secondary and tertiary markets that cannot support 180-seat aircraft.

Furthermore, this is a significant win for the Airbus A220 program in a region where it has faced stiff competition. Reports indicate that AirAsia also evaluated the Embraer E195-E2. Selecting the A220 reinforces Airbus’s dominance in the carrier’s fleet, despite the A220 having a different cockpit and supply chain than the A320 family.

Fleet Evolution and Competitor Context

AirAsia launched in 1996 with Boeing 737-300s before transitioning to an all-Airbus fleet to standardize maintenance and training. Introducing a second fleet type adds complexity, but the operational savings of the A220 on specific routes appear to outweigh the costs of diversification.

According to market reports, the deal is not yet signed, and negotiations regarding pricing and delivery slots are ongoing. However, the timing aligns with the industry’s recovery trajectory, where airlines are locking in delivery slots for the late 2020s to secure future capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of the deal?

At list prices, 100 A220 jets are valued at roughly $9.15 billion, though the final price will likely be much lower due to bulk discounts.

When will the deal be announced?

Sources suggest an announcement could be made during the Singapore Airshow, which runs from February 3–8, 2026.

Why is AirAsia buying smaller jets?

The A220 allows the airline to fly profitably on routes with lower passenger demand (“thin routes”) that are not economical for larger A320 aircraft.

Sources

• Reuters
• MarketScreener
• FlightGlobal

This article is based on an official press release from JetBlue.

JetBlue Launches Public Vote for First-Ever Dominican Republic Livery

JetBlue has announced the launch of a new cultural campaign, “RD: Orgullo que Eleva” (DR: Pride That Elevates), aimed at celebrating the airline’s long-standing relationship with the Dominican Republic. As the largest carrier currently serving the market between the United States and the Dominican Republic, the airlines is introducing a public voting initiative to select a custom aircraft livery designed by Dominican artists.

According to the company’s announcement, this marks the first time JetBlue will dedicate a specific aircraft livery to the Dominican Republic. The winning design will be painted on an Airbus A320, which is scheduled to enter service in Spring 2026. The initiative highlights the carrier’s strategy to deepen ties with the Dominican community, a market it has served for nearly 22 years.

Campaign Details and Voting Process

The core of the “RD: Orgullo que Eleva” campaign is community engagement. JetBlue has commissioned three distinct Dominican artists and collectives to propose designs that reflect the country’s folklore, nature, and spirit. The airline has opened a public voting platform where community members can select their preferred design.

Voting is currently open and will run through February 1, 2026. The airline directs participants to cast their votes at VotaJetBlueRD.com. Following the conclusion of the voting period, the winning concept will be announced in February, with the aircraft expected to debut later in the spring.

“As the largest airline serving the Dominican Republic, we’re proud to introduce JetBlue’s first livery dedicated to the country, which will showcase the work of a local artist and be chosen by the community. This initiative honors the country’s vibrant culture and creative talent, while reflecting the strong bond we’ve built there for more than twenty years.”

The Contending Artists

JetBlue selected three artists to interpret Dominican culture through their unique visual styles. The public will choose between the following concepts:

Willy Gómez: Nature and Rhythm

An art director and muralist with over two decades of experience, Willy Gómez is known for merging Neo-traditional and Art Nouveau styles. His proposed design focuses on the theme of “Nature & Rhythm,” utilizing bold colors to depict the island’s coastal beauty and musical heritage.

Los Plebeyos: Everyday Life and Folklore

This design collective brings a contemporary social lens to their work. Their concept, centered on “Everyday Life & Folklore,” features playful illustrations that highlight Dominican gastronomy, family life, and traditional folklore.

Lena Tokens: Tradition and Identity

An internationally recognized illustrator, Lena Tokens combines surrealism with natural elements. Her design theme, “Tradition & Identity,” incorporates the colors of the Dominican flag and features figures representing the nation’s creativity and rhythm.

Market Position and Operational Context

The launch of this campaign underscores the strategic importance of the Dominican Republic to JetBlue’s network. Data provided in the announcement indicates that JetBlue expects to average more than 30 daily departures from the Dominican Republic by Spring 2026.

The airline currently operates service to four major airports in the country:

• Santo Domingo (SDQ)
• Santiago (STI)
• Punta Cana (PUJ)
• Puerto Plata (POP)

Recent network adjustments include the relaunch of service between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Santiago (STI), as well as new routes connecting Tampa (TPA) to Punta Cana (PUJ). Beyond flight operations, the airline highlighted its philanthropic footprint through the JetBlue Foundation, which supports local educational initiatives like the Mariposa DR Foundation and the DREAM Project.

AirPro News Analysis

While special liveries are a common marketing tool in aviation, JetBlue itself has previously released liveries for the Boston Celtics, the New York Jets, and the FDNY, dedicating an aircraft to a specific international destination is a distinct move. It signals a defensive strategy to solidify brand loyalty in a high-volume “Visiting Friends and Relatives” (VFR) market.

By involving the community in the design process, JetBlue is likely aiming to differentiate itself from competitors by positioning the brand not just as a transit provider, but as a cultural partner. This is particularly relevant as the airline continues to manage capacity and optimize its route network in the Caribbean region.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does voting close?
Voting for the new livery closes on February 1, 2026.

Which aircraft will feature the new design?
The winning design will be painted on a JetBlue Airbus A320.

When will the aircraft start flying?
The aircraft is scheduled to debut in Spring 2026.

Who are the artists involved?
The three contending artists are Willy Gómez, the collective Los Plebeyos, and Lena Tokens.

Sources

• JetBlue Official Press Release