Millions of passengers arriving at Manchester Airport could soon be able to quickly pass through airport passport control without needing to put their passport into an eGate.
UK airports, including Manchester, are rolling out a new contactless system from this week, with the technology designed to speed up arrivals while maintaining existing border security checks.
The phased rollout began at East Midlands Airport on October 6, initially for British citizens, with the technology expected to be introduced at all UK airports by early 2027.
Testing has shown the contactless system can be up to 25% faster than using a passport on an eGate.
How the new contactless airport eGates will work at Manchester Airport
Currently, passengers must put their passport onto a reader, but with the new system, they will approach the eGate and have their photograph taken.
The system then compares the live image with verified immigration, travel and passport information, and if the checks are completed successfully, the gate opens automatically, and the passenger can walk through without presenting their passport to the machine.
The Home Office says the facial technology verifies a passenger's identity before the UK's immigration and security checks are completed.
However, this does not mean you don't need your passport with you – it is still a vital document for travelling.
If further checks are needed, passengers may be asked to put their passport on the eGate reader or speak to a Border Force officer, just as they do under the current system.
Border Force officers will also continue to monitor the eGates and provide assistance where needed.
When is Manchester Airport getting the new eGate system?
The new eGate system will come into force at Manchester Airport by early next year, but an official date has not yet been confirmed.
eGates will be updated gradually across various UK airports by early 2027, including:
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Cardiff
- East Midlands
- Edinburgh
- Gatwick
- Glasgow
- Heathrow
- London City
- Luton
- Newcastle
- Stansted
At present, British citizens are the first group able to use the contactless system, with other nationalities already eligible for eGates expected to be brought into the system during the rollout.
The existing eGate eligibility rules otherwise remain unchanged.
East Midlands Airport is the first UK airport to introduce the contactless eGates, with Birmingham also among the first airports involved in the rollout.
Phil Douglas, director general of Border Force, said: “This is a win for travellers coming to our brilliant country.
“By using state-of-the-art technology, we are making journeys smoother and faster, all while fully maintaining the UK's robust border security.
“Our digital transformation also builds on our work this summer to extend eGates to children aged eight and above, making life a little easier for families.”
Karen Dee, chief executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, said: “This will be excellent news for the passenger and demonstrates how UK airports continue to be at the forefront of new technologies to keep our borders safe, while improving the travelling experience.
“It is vital that we have the fast, efficient borders that arrivals into the UK now expect, and we will work closely with our members and government officials to ensure a smooth rollout.”
Brussels Airport strikes expected to cancel flights this week
The news comes as Brussels Airport warned passengers about strike action taking place on October 9.
Manchester Airport passengers can arrive in Brussels within 90 minutes.
“A national manifestation” means some staff members who work for ground handler Alyzia at Brussels Airport are expected to strike.
While not all flights will be cancelled, the airport estimates that half of the flights that Alyzia handles will be, with passengers having to make alternative plans.
If you’re travelling to or from the European airport, it’s worth checking if Alyzia will be handling your flight.
Brussels Airport reassured passengers that anyone with a flight that will be handled by Aviapartner is not expected to be affected.
If you are affected, your airline will inform you of any flight changes.
Flight cancellations will appear on the airport’s website once they are confirmed.
Do you think the new eGate update is a positive change for airports? Let us know in the poll above or comments below.
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