Barrierless
New Barrierless System at Drop Off and Pick Up forecourts
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.
The barrierless system will streamline the drop-off and pick-up process, making it quicker, more convenient, and stress-free. You will no longer need to stop at a barrier. Instead, you can drive straight through a Drop Off or Pick Up area and pay your charges remotely. This change will significantly reduce waiting times, improve traffic flow, and enhance the overall passenger experience at Manchester Airport.
The system is similar to those in operation at other airports and in settings like tunnels, toll roads and bridges you may have used.
The barrierless system will be introduced from Wednesday, 26 March 2025, with one terminal forecourt at a time going live over the course of a few days. Please find the key dates for each terminal below.
The introduction of this system is just one of the many ways we are working to improve your travel experience at Manchester Airport.
When will the new system be introduced?
The new system will be introduced from Wednesday, 26 March 2025, with one terminal forecourt at a time going live over the course of a few days.
Key Dates
26 March 2025 – Terminal 2 Upper Forecourt Drop Off
26 March 2025 – Terminal 2 Express Pick Up
26 March 2025 – Train, Bus, and Tram Station
2 April 2025 – Terminal 1 Drop Off
2 April 2025 – Terminal 1 Express Pick Up
2 April 2025 – Terminal 3 Drop Off
2 April 2025 – Terminal 3 Express Pick Up
The barrierless system will replace traditional barriers at our Drop Off and Pick Up forecourts, allowing drivers to drop off and pick up passengers without stopping at the barrier. With no barriers, you’ll simply drive straight through and pay remotely, either by pre-registering for an Autopay account or as a guest by midnight the following day.
There are no plans to increase the tariffs for Drop-Off and Pick-Up in line with this update.
You can set up an account and add your vehicle registration and payment card, which will automatically process payment after each journey through any Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zone. Payments cannot be made before your visit.
To create an account, please visit the payment portal: https://pay.manchesterairport.co.uk/
Payment must be made by midnight the day after your visit to avoid a Parking Charge being sent to the registered vehicle holder.
If you do not pre-register or pay as a guest before midnight the next day, additional charges will apply. Further information will be provided closer to the system's launch.
Currently, the barrierless system is being introduced only at our drop-off and pick-up zones.
The switch to our drop off and pick up areas being barrierless is designed to streamline the drop-off and pick-up process, reducing congestion and improving traffic flow. By removing the barriers, drivers can pass through more smoothly, without stopping at barriers, which minimises wait times and eases vehicle flow.
No, payments must be processed remotely through an online portal or by phone. Guest payment options and pre-registration will ensure flexibility and convenience.
Yes, we will continue to provide a free drop off option located at our JetParks 1 car park for a maximum of 60 minutes before any overstay fee is applied. A free shuttle bus will take passengers to their chosen terminal, the shuttle runs 24/7.
To find out more visit: https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/parking/pick-up-and-drop-off/
Passengers who hold a valid blue badge will be able to access drop-off areas free of charge please remember this is for drop-off only. To use this service, the travelling passenger must produce their blue badge to the traffic marshals when entering the forecourt area.
For more information on Blue Badge parking for pick-up or drop-off, find out more here.
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