From: identityweek.net
Manchester airport last month successfully completed a pilot for biometric e-gates to drastically reduce processing times. The outcome of the UK trial will instate a secure “contactless” journey, eliminating the need for passports and physical documents for global travellers in and out of UK-wide airports. Manchester airport is the first user of the new technology integrated into existing e-gates, as part of the UK government’s plans for a contactless border. The pilots were held over three weeks in October.
The Home Office has been discussing the implementation of “contactless corridors” at airports since 2022 which would allow seamless journeys into the UK for eligible travellers. Work has picked up pace as public expectations and technology have rapidly evolved, AI facial recognition is now readily available and digitalised airport and IT systems have been the focus of immigration control strategies.
It feels like the government is now fulfilling its ambition of improving the quickness and efficiency of security checks.