Facial Recognition at UK Airports For Next Winter

10th October 2026

UK airports have begun rolling out facial-recognition technology for British passengers that could be in full use by early 2027. The new contactless eGates went live at East Midlands this…
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UK airports have begun rolling out facial-recognition technology for British passengers that could be in full use by early 2027.

The new contactless eGates went live at East Midlands this week and the system could be used by skiers and snowboarders next winter at all UK airports.

Passengers have their photograph captured automatically at an egate and the image is checked against verified immigration, travel and passport information.

If the identity checks are successful, the gate opens without the passenger placing a passport on the reader.

It is estimated to be 25% faster than the current system.

Passengers must continue to carry a valid passport, and those requiring additional checks may be asked to scan their document or speak with a Border Force officer.