Digital transformation to ramp up at UK airports

Airport World
19 October 2026

The UK has begun the phased rollout of a contactless border at the country’s 13 international airports as part of a pioneering project that removes the need for UK citizens and eligible third country nationals to scan their passport when entering the country.

The UK relies on Amadeus’ Seamless Gates at its international airports to securely and conveniently verify each traveller’s identity at the border, under a long-term contract with the Home Office and UK Border Force.

The new contactless system works by taking a photo of the passenger as they approach the eGate. The image is checked against verified immigration, travel and passport information and the eGate opens when the checks are successfully complete...

Digital transformation to ramp up at UK airports – Airport World - 19 October 2026