Press Release
Gatwick is making it easier for returning holidaymakers
11 August 2011
Gatwick is making it easier for returning holidaymakers
11 August 2011
- Gatwick becomes the first airport to provide dedicated family lanes in the immigration halls
- New automated ePassport gates enable passengers to speed through immigration
Gatwick understands that making life easier for passengers as they arrive in the UK is just as important as delivering great service as they jet off.
That is why Gatwick, working in partnership with the UK Border Agency, has introduced improvements in the immigration halls that help to reduce queue times and provide a better service for those who might need it, including passengers with children and those with reduced mobility.
Geoff Williams, Head of Security at Gatwick Airport said, ”We understand that the return journey can often feel long and exhausting. This is especially true if you are travelling with young children and you just want to get back home as quickly as possible.
“That is why we have become the first UK airport to introduce lanes in the immigration halls dedicated entirely to families, and those who might need a bit of extra support. Staff who man these lanes have received extra training in customer service so that they know how to provide the right level of help. This has the benefit of making passengers feel more supported and it helps to reduce the length of queues across all the lanes. So, in fact, all passengers end up benefiting, not just those with children.
“We expect other airports will follow suit, just as they did when we introduced family lanes at security.”
The immigration halls also now have a selection of ePassport gates that enable EU passengers with biometric passports to get through passport control much more quickly and conveniently.
The gates use facial recognition technology to compare a passengers’ face to the photograph recorded on the ‘chip’ in the passport. Once the checks are made, the gates open automatically.
Carole Upshall, UK Border Agency Director for South and Europe said, ‘‘The newly installed automated biometric ePassport gates are now in use in Gatwick’s South Terminal which will speed up the process for passengers with a UK or European Union biometric passport.
‘The UK Border Agency is committed to maximising the use of technology to maintain a secure border whilst handling increasing volumes of passengers and we now have e-Passport gates at both Gatwick terminals, providing passengers with a secure, self-service alternative to the conventional manual control.”
Media enquiries to
GATWICK AIRPORT PRESS OFFICE
+ 44 (0) 1293 505000
gatwickmedia@gatwickairport.com
