Manchester Airport has become one of the first in the UK to trial a new security system which it hopes will help with social distancing. The process will see passengers booking security slots, rather than queueing up, and could be the change necessary to get holidays back underway safely.
Manchester Airport says the trial process will not only help the airport manage passenger loads but will also make the airport experience more efficient and keep queues shorter throughout.
If effective, the new system could be rolled out to Manchester Airport Group’s other two airports – London Stansted and East Midlands.
“Safety and security will always be the first priority and, at the same time, COVID-19 will undoubtedly reshape the airport experience,” Brad Miller, chief operating officer at Manchester Airport, said.
We are exploring every innovation and technology that can help us to adapt to the new world, protect public health and restore confidence in air travel.
“This new measure will allow us to manage our security process more efficiently in these challenging times, providing a better and more comfortable experience for passengers.
“It is the latest in a series of measures introduced by MAG to make travel safer during the pandemic, which includes asking passengers and colleagues to wear face coverings and piloting temperature screening technologies.”
The airport was one of the first in the UK to ask passengers to wear a face-covering when in its terminals.
Airlines began to resume flights from Manchester as of last month.
Though the capacity of flights running is lower than normal, the airport has already welcomed back services by Jet2, Qatar Airways, Ryanair, Aer Ligus, Lufthansa, KLM, Pakistan International Airlines, Emirates, Loganair and Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
It is anticipating further growth from its Jet2 offering in the coming months as more countries reopen borders to Britons.
Jet2 plans to commence its flights and holidays from July 15.
According to a statement on the airline’s website: “If a customer has a booking that is due to depart on or after July 15th, the booking is subject to our normal terms and conditions.”
