Manchester Airport has announced it is to introduce a new barrierless system for vehicles dropping off and picking up passengers as part of its commitment to enhancing the passenger experience.

The switch to a new barrierless drop-off and pick-up system will improve the overall experience for both drivers and passengers by streamlining the process. By removing the existing barriers, drivers will pass through more smoothly without the need to stop on exit, helping reduce congestion and improving traffic flow.

The new technology will be managed through an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system like that already in use at some other UK airports and familiar settings like bridges and tunnels. It will come into operation in late March 2025.

Cameras will identify cars by their registration number and automatically record who has used the pick-up or drop-off area. Rather than stopping at a barrier and paying as they leave the area, drivers will leave and then pay the charge by midnight the following day. They can do this over the phone or online.

There will be no change to the existing charges. No payments will be made when exiting the area. Frequent users, including taxi drivers, will be able to set up an auto-pay account for future visits – more information about this will be available in the coming weeks. There will be prominent signs in and around the forecourt areas to remind drivers of the new system once it is introduced.

Sue West, Manchester Airports Landside Operations Director, said:

“Here at Manchester Airport we’re always looking for ways to make our passengers’ lives easier. By removing barriers in our drop-off and pick-up zones it will speed up the process and make it feel seamless.”

"The barrierless system will be implemented across the various drop-off and pick-up areas around the airport in a phased approach over the last weeks of March and the start of April – exact dates will be communicated in the coming weeks.”