Manchester Airport to introduce barrierless pick up and drop off

Manchester Airport is to introduce a new barrierless system for vehicles dropping off and picking up passengers from its terminals.

The switch aims to improve the overall experience for both drivers and passengers by streamlining the process, allowing drivers to pass through smoothly without stopping on exit and thus helping to reduce congestion and improve 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, 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, either by phone or online.

There will be no change to the existing charges, while frequent users such as tax drivers will be able to set up an auto-pay account. 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.”