Manchester Airport is set to enhance the drop-off and pick-up experience for its users by eliminating the existing barriers in these zones. Starting from March 26, 2025, passengers and drivers will benefit from a new barrierless system aimed at making the process quicker and stress-free. The changes will be implemented across all three terminals of the airport, as well as at the train, tram, and bus stations.
The new arrangement marks a significant modernization at Manchester Airport. Drivers will no longer be required to stop at a barrier to exit the drop-off and pick-up zones but will instead drive through. An automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system will manage the new process. Cameras will identify vehicles by their registration number, recording entries and exits automatically. This system is not entirely new to the UK, as it has been successfully integrated at various other airports and in settings like bridges and tunnels.
With the elimination of barriers, congestion at exit points is expected to decline, thereby improving traffic flow and enhancing overall passenger experience. According to Manchester Airport officials, the new process aims to minimize wait times and provide a smoother transition for drivers.
The changes will be rolled out in phases, with the pick-up and drop-off zones in Terminal 2 going live first on March 26, 2025. This will include both the upper forecourt drop-off and the express pick-up areas. Concurrently, the train, bus, and tram stations will also adopt the new system. Following this initial rollout, on April 2, 2025, the same barrierless approach will be extended to Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
Both the old and new systems have their respective pricing structures. Under the prevailing fee schedule, dropping off passengers incurs a fee of £5 for five minutes, which increases to £6.20 for up to ten minutes. Drivers who exceed this time frame face an overstay charge of £25 for anything over ten minutes. In contrast, with the barrierless system, drivers will still need to pay these charges, but they will have until midnight the following day to do so, either online or over the phone.
For frequent users, including taxi operators, there will be an option to set up an automatic payment account, ensuring that they can utilize the drop-off and pick-up zones without the hassle of stopping to make a payment each time.
Officials at Manchester Airport expressed their satisfaction regarding the impending changes. One representative stated, "We are pleased to announce that Manchester Airport is introducing a new barrierless system at our Drop Off and Pick Up forecourts. This change is part of our commitment to enhancing the travel experience for all our passengers." They emphasized the immense benefits of the new system, predicting it will significantly reduce waiting times, improve traffic flow, and enhance the overall passenger experience at the airport.
As the rollout date approaches, drivers are encouraged to pay attention to signs that will be posted near the zones, providing guidance on the operational changes. There will be no alterations to the existing pricing, but the way payments are managed will be significantly streamlined with this new system.
Unlike the previous model where motorists needed to pay at exit barriers via cash or card, the adoption of ANPR technology allows for seamless tracking of vehicles using these vital airport facilities. With barriers being removed, users can focus on the more essential aspects of their travel, such as saying goodbye or preparing to greet arriving passengers.
Ultimately, Manchester Airport aims to offer an enhanced experience to all its users through these updates. With anticipation rising for the implementation of the barrierless system, the hope is that it will indeed result in a more efficient, modern solution for airport traffic management.
