Iris launched at Gatwick South

In an effort to improve the UK's border controls, an iris recognition immigration system (Iris) was launched at Gatwick South.

The Iris system uses biometric technology to enable registered passengers to enter the country without having to see an immigration officer at passport control, allowing officers to focus on "strengthening" border controls.

Commenting on the system, immigration minister Liam Byrne, said: "Iris recognition barriers combine speed and maximum security to let positively vetted passengers travel faster."

The government also intends to introduce uniformed officers with new powers at a number of airports in the UK, he added.

Installing the technology at Gatwick marks the completion of the Iris rollout in nine airports, having already been introduced in the airport's north terminal.

In related news, recent research by Airports Council International found that passenger traffic at airports across Europe increased by 9.6 per cent in March, compared with the previous year.

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