Manchester Airport Introduces Barrierless Drop-Off and Pick-Up System

Manchester Airport is set to implement a new barrierless drop-off and pick-up system starting in late March, following the trend of several other UK airports. The change will utilize an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system to streamline the process, allowing vehicles to pass through without stopping. This initiative aims to alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow in and around the airport.

Under the new system, drivers will no longer encounter physical barriers when dropping off or picking up passengers. Instead, they will be required to pay a fee by midnight the following day, which can be done conveniently online or via phone. The existing charges remain unchanged, starting at £5 for up to five minutes for drop-offs and £6.20 for up to 30 minutes for pickups. Frequent users, such as taxi drivers, will have the option to set up auto-pay accounts for added convenience.

The decision to remove barriers comes as part of Manchester Airport’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience. This move aligns Manchester Airport with recent changes at other airports, including London Stansted, which recently adopted a similar system, and Birmingham Airport, which is also set to introduce barrierless operations.

As airports increasingly focus on improving efficiency and customer satisfaction, Manchester’s initiative represents a significant step towards modernizing its services.