Gatwick Airport has opened a new security area in the South Terminal, which will cut queuing times by 25%.
The development includes 19 security lanes, with two reserved for premium passengers and two for families.
The new facility will allow nearly 5,000 passengers per hour to pass through security to the departure lounge.
Stewart Wingate, Gatwick’s CEO, said:“We have improved every aspect of security - from the preparation area right through to the moment passengers hit the lounge - and are confident that the changes we have made will make a huge difference to all those travelling through the airport.”
The new security area also has automatic gates, where passengers swipe their paper boarding cards or e-boarding cards.
Also included is a preparation area where passengers can get themselves ready for security, and plasma screens giving instructions in five languages.
Other projects underway at Gatwick include the refurbishment of the immigration hall in the South Terminal and a £75 million expansion of the North Terminal.
www.gatwickairport.com