Hi-tech screening area opened at Gatwick Airport

London Gatwick Airport has unveiled a new state-of-the-art security area in its North Terminal capable of screening up to 5,000 passengers per hour.

The new £36m (US$48m) facility comprises 17 self-service e-gates and 10 security lanes, each with seven loading points, providing more space for passengers to prepare their belongings prior to the screening process. There are also dedicated lanes for premium travelers, families and passengers with reduced mobility. Phase one of the project was completed in February this year, with the introduction of the first five security lanes.

Peter Lederer, head of security at London Gatwick, said, “This state-of-the-art facility is the culmination of several years of planning and development and provides us with some of the most sophisticated airport security measures in the world.

“Direct feedback from both security staff and passengers was taken on board when designing the technology to ensure it provides the safest and most efficient experience possible. This facility will ensure we are able to screen 95% of our passengers through security within five minutes.”

Chris Woodroofe, head of passenger operations at Gatwick, said, “The transformation we have made to the security facilities in the North Terminal is yet another example of how Gatwick can accommodate increasing numbers of passengers from its existing infrastructure.

“We have created an environment which allows passengers to take charge of their journey through the airport and spend more time in the way they want – doing some work, having a bite to eat and enjoying the retail offering here at Gatwick.”