upgrade

LONDON Heathrow will undergo a series of developments next year starting with Terminal 2 and 4.

It will improve the passenger experience by using AI-technology and has plans to make flights more punctual along with better baggage facilities.

This morning, Heathrow Airport revealed it will start upgrading Terminal 4 next year costing £1.3billion.

The first step will be building a new multi-storey car park and upgrading its check-in area.

The works will be phased to ensure that there’s no disruption to the running of Terminal 4 – and these are expected to be completed in 2031.

Over in Terminal 2, Heathrow has announced that work will also begin on a new baggage system that will be able to handle 31,000 bags each day.

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In order to speed up flights and improve punctuality, it will install AI-powered turnaround tech.

This will involve a network of cameras being installed across Heathrow.

Using AI to analyse data, the airport will speed up turnaround times between flights, which will make journeys more punctual.

Coverage is expected to be across all terminals by the end of 2026.

Other upgrades will be to accessibility, which will have dedicated access to security for the first time.

Alongside new mobility equipment, Heathrow is investing in upgrades to assistance areas across the airport.

There will be a purpose-built assistance area and the UK’s first Tailored Travel Guide.

Passengers with various access needs can input their travel details and get a personalised step-by-step guide to navigate the airport.

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said: “Passengers should expect that every time they travel through Heathrow their journey is better than the last.”

He added: “I’m excited to unveil next year’s programme which will make Heathrow more user-friendly, more efficient and more resilient for our customers.

“This investment will flow directly into our nationwide supply chain helping to drive economic growth whilst we make Heathrow even better and more efficient for our customers.” 

The upgrades made in December 2025 are part of Heathrow’s current five-year investment plan.

Previously, Heathrow Airport announced its plan for a £49billion overhaul.

This includes increased passenger capacity at Terminal 5 with the number of aircraft stands set to rise.

It will open a number of new lounges, shops and restaurants within the existing terminals.

And to increase flights, it also hopes to build a third runway which will involve moving part of the M25.

This major airport could become the second biggest in the UK ahead of huge expansion plans…

A plan to expand one UK airport has been approved – meaning it could become the second busiest in the country.

In 2024, the airport saw almost 30million passengers, but with the new plans could see 20million more.

The airport in question is London Stansted in Essex which has plans for more flights, but no structural changes.

London Stansted could rise to become the UK’s second busiest airport, rather than the fourth, after councillors agreed to increase its annual passenger numbers to 51million.

The owner, Manchester Airports Group’s, latest plan is to increase passenger capacity at the airport to between 48 and 51million people per year by 2040.

In comparison, London Gatwick sees between 40 to 43million passengers each year.

While you might think that the airport would need an additional runway, there are no plans to build one.

There won’t be a second runway, or exceed the airport’s limit of 274,000 flights a year.

The way it will increase its passengers is by accommodating larger planes.

On December 17, 2025, Uttlesford District Council’s Planning Committee ruled in favour of the application.

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A POPULAR seaside resort has secured a massive £20million in funding ahead of a decade-long transformation.

The coastal resort, which has been ranked the “best for a short break” in the UK, will undergo a series of upgrades, including the revamping of community spaces.

The Victorian town of Hastings, which was previously praised as an overlooked holiday hotspot, confirmed the ambitious plans this week.

As part of the government’s Pride in Place programme, the project will “spark civic pride and breathe new life into the town”.

Planned works

Safer streets and revamped public areas are prioritised in the new works, as well as improvements to sports, leisure, and play facilities.

And heritage sites across the town will also be set for restoration as part of the plan to create “a Hastings for everyone”.

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Deputy leader of Hastings Borough Council Julia Hilton said the upgrades will be shaped “in collaboration with local people”, while Local MP Helena Dollimore praised the project for making Hastings “an even better place to live”.

Toursim

Hastings has received mixed reviews over the years, once vote the worst seaside town for a weekend to stay by Which?, it is now widely regarded as an underrated treasure.

While visitors have marked it down on value for money, and ease of getting around, artists and writers continue to flock to the town, turning it into one of the UK’s most exciting up-and-coming holiday destinations.

And from the old town to the stunning scenery, there’s something for everyone in this historic area.

The old town itself is rated number one on TripAdvisor, scoring 4/5 from more than 2,700 reviews, with visitors praising its independent shops, cafés, and buzzing character.

Tourists can walk the cobbled streets, enjoying vintage shops, a Tudor-looking pub, and five-star chippies and restaurants.

Hastings also boasts a number of music events, including the annual Hastings Beer and Music Festival, as well as playing host to well-known restaurants such as Yaaze Cafe Bistro & Meze Bar.

Music fans will also want to visit the Jenny Lind, which offers live performances and flamboyant local characters.

And Hastings Contemporary gallery is just around the corner – a nod to the town’s burgeoning art scene, with many tipping it to be the next Margate.

There are also pagan vibes in the area, with Jack on the Green festival ushering in the summer with incredible costumes, dancing, and music paraded through the streets.

To top off the unique experience, a huge puppet is then set alight on the West Hill.