Roll-out begins for passport-free airport e-gates
The system uses facial technology to check travellers against immigration and passport information.
Passengers arriving at UK airports will soon be able to pass through e-gates without presenting their passport through a new contactless system, the government has announced. East Midlands Airport will be the first to implement this technology before it is extended to all UK airports by early 2027, according to the Home Office. The system relies on facial recognition technology, where passengers' photos are taken and cross-referenced with immigration, travel, and passport data, automatically opening the barrier if verified.
Testing revealed the contactless system to be up to 25% faster than traditional passport checks, according to officials. If additional verification is required, travelers may need to place their passport on the reader or may be directed to a Border Force officer. Border Force officers will continue to monitor all e-gates and provide assistance, while passengers should keep their passport with them at all times.
Phil Douglas, director general of Border Force, stated that this change benefits travelers coming to the UK by making journeys smoother and faster while maintaining the country's strong border security. Karen Dee, chief executive of Airports UK, highlighted that the move is excellent news for passengers and emphasized the importance of efficient borders.
Steve Griffiths, managing director of East Midlands Airport, expressed delight at being the first UK airport to introduce contactless e-gates and praised the innovation for enhancing the travel experience. Standard e-gates are currently available at several major airports in the UK.
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