Newcastle airport begins to add new ePassport gates

Newcastle International Airport has added five ePassport gates to its international arrival hall, which is due to open this summer. The self-service machines use facial recognition technology to verify the user’s identity against data stored in the chip in their … Continue reading →

Newcastle International Airport has added five ePassport gates to its international arrival hall, which is due to open this summer.

The self-service machines use facial recognition technology to verify the user’s identity against data stored in the chip in their biometric passport and will be available for use by those aged 12 and over holding UK, EEA and Swiss passports.

They have been added as part of a multi-million pound investment in collaboration with UK Border Force to expand the arrivals hall with 448 square-metres of additional floor space for the immigration area and 110 square-metres of space at the departure gates.

Richard Knight, director of operations at Newcastle International Airport, said: “I can’t wait to unveil the space, as well as the brand new ePassport gates, to our customers.

“This expansion will play a big role in ensuring we can help passengers head home following a wonderful trip or experience all that the North East has to offer as a visitor as speedily as possible.”

Cllr Iain Malcolm, leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “The expansion of the arrivals hall, which embraces the latest technology, will ensure that passengers continue to have a safe, efficient and enjoyable experience.

Christina Brown, Border Force Assistant Director for Newcastle International Airport, said: “Increasing the use of digital technology at the border is part of Border Force’s commitment to improve the passenger experience.”