Gatwick opens new £45m security lanes at South Terminal

Updated


Gatwick opens new £45m security lanes at South Terminal
Gatwick opens new £45m security lanes at South Terminal

PA

Painfully tedious security queues could be a thing of the past at Gatwick as a new high-tech £45m security zone opens - that promises to process each passenger in under five minutes.

The South Terminal has 19 new security lanes, which will enable around 5,000 people to pass through to departures every hour - speeding up the security process by 25%.

There are 15 standard lanes, two for families with young children and people with reduced mobility, and another two for premium passengers.

Transport minister Theresa Villiers opened the new security area today, and said: 'For many people, going through airport security can be their least favourite part of flying. The government is committed to reforming the way these necessary checks are regulated, enabling airports to come up with more passenger-friendly processes while maintaining the same high levels of security.

'The team at Gatwick have clearly put a great deal of thought into how best to combine new technology, information and increased space to improve the passenger experience.'

Gatwick opens new £45m security lanes at South Terminal
Gatwick opens new £45m security lanes at South Terminal

Transport minister Theresa Villiers demonstrates how to use the Automatic Boarding Card Reader. Photo: PA


Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate added: 'We have improved every aspect of security - from the preparation area through to the moment passengers hit the lounge - and are confident the changes will make a huge difference to all those travelling through the airport.

'The opening of the new security area is just part of a £1.2 billion investment in Gatwick Airport.'

Before they go through security, passengers will get instructions on large screens in five languages to help them understand exactly what they can and cannot take through.

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