(NEWS) LONDON, 2025-Dec-19 — /Travel PR News/ — Heathrow has unveiled plans to invest £1.3 billion during 2026 as part of a wide-ranging programme aimed at improving passenger experience while strengthening the airport’s UK-wide supply chain. The investment forms part of Heathrow’s long-term ambition to become an “extraordinary airport,” designed to meet future demand through better infrastructure, more resilient operations, and enhanced accessibility.
The 2026 programme builds on a year of increased spending focused on operational performance, a strategy that has already delivered measurable results. Heathrow was recently named Europe’s most punctual hub, reflecting improvements across baggage handling, security processing, and overall reliability. The next phase of investment is intended to further smooth passenger journeys and reinforce the airport’s role as a critical piece of national infrastructure.
A major component of the plan is the comprehensive refurbishment of Terminal 4. Construction is scheduled to begin next year and will include the development of a new multi-storey car park alongside an upgraded check-in area. The work will be carried out in carefully managed phases to ensure the terminal continues operating as normal throughout the construction period, with completion targeted for 2031.
Heathrow will also start building a new, dedicated baggage system for Terminal 2. Once operational, the system is expected to significantly improve resilience and efficiency for airlines, with the capacity to handle up to 31,000 bags per day. The upgrade is designed to reduce the number of misconnected bags, improving reliability for passengers while lowering costs for airline operators.
Technology will play a growing role in day-to-day operations, with the rollout of a new network of AI-enabled cameras across aircraft stands. By analysing real-time data, the system helps speed up aircraft turnaround times, contributing to greater punctuality and operational efficiency. Developed in collaboration with airlines and ground handlers, the programme will continue across all terminals, with full airport-wide coverage anticipated by the end of 2026.
Improving accessibility remains a central pillar of Heathrow’s investment strategy. Next year will see targeted spending to better support passengers with additional needs, including the creation of a purpose-built assistance area in Terminal 2 that will, for the first time, provide direct access to security. The airport is also introducing new mobility equipment and upgrading assistance facilities across its terminals. In addition, Heathrow plans to launch its Tailored Travel Guide, described as the first of its kind at a UK airport, allowing passengers with access requirements to receive personalised, step-by-step guidance for their journey through the airport.
Commenting on the announcement, Heathrow Chief Executive Thomas Woldbye said the airport’s goal is to ensure that every journey through Heathrow is an improvement on the last. He highlighted recent performance milestones, including nearly 99 per cent of bags travelling on their expected flights, 97 per cent of security queues taking under five minutes, and the rollout of next-generation security across all terminals. Woldbye added that the 2026 investment programme would make Heathrow more efficient, more resilient, and easier to use, while also supporting economic growth through spending across the airport’s national supply chain.
The £1.3 billion programme forms part of Heathrow’s current five-year investment plan, known as H7. Separate from this, the Government has expressed support for the development of a third runway, which could become operational within the next decade. Any future expansion, as well as investment plans for the following regulatory period from 2027 to 2031, will depend on policy decisions and regulatory frameworks set by the Government and the Civil Aviation Authority.
