Heathrow Airport. Photo: Shutterstock London's Heathrow Airport announces massive investment for 2026. Last night (December 21, 2025), the UK's popular airport announced a 1.3 billion pound ($1.7 billion) investment plan for the upcoming year, as part of a broader initiative to improve the passenger experience.
The investment follows a particularly successful year for the airport, which recorded growth and significant improvements in operational performance and was named the aviation hub with the most accurate flight times in Europe.
The plan includes a comprehensive Termial 4 upgrade, featuring a new multi-story parking garage as well as work on the check-in areas. Construction will unfold in stages, maintaining ongoing activity at the terminal, and will be completed by 2031.
The airport has also announced it will begin work on a new dedicated baggage system for Terminal 2, designed to improve operational efficiency by handling roughly 31,000 bags per day. The move is expected to significantly reduce flight connection issues and lower airline costs.
As part of an investment in cutting-edge technology, Heathrow will install a new network of cameras at its aircraft parking bays. The system will employ artificial intelligence to analyse real-time data, with the purpose of cutting turnaround times between flights, saving airlines time and money, and improving their schedule.
Photo: HEATHROW AIRPORTAnother area of emphasis is accessibility. In 2026, Heathrow will allocate dedicated resources to improve service for passengers with disabilities by creating a new dedicated assistance area in Terminal 2 with direct access to security screening, upgrading existing assistance areas, and equipping them with new mobility aids.
In addition, Heathrow will launch a personalized flight guide that will enable passengers to enter their flight details and receive step-by-step instructions for their journey at the airport.
The investment is part of Heathrow's five-year investment plan, known as H7. At the same time, the airport is exploring the possibility of expanding with a third runway in the coming decade, subject to necessary regulatory and government approvals.
As we recently reported, the culinary scene at Heathrow is also getting a makeover. A new food court called "Plane Food Market" has opened at the airport, helmed by chef Gordon Ramsay, in Terminal 5, expanding the food offerings before your flight.
Photo: HEATHROW AIRPORT