Amadeus Expands UK Contactless Border Rollout

Amadeus is extending its contactless biometric border technology across additional UK airports following its introduction at East Midlands Airport. The company says all participating eGates are scheduled to be upgraded by early 2027, allowing eligible passengers to enter without routinely scanning their passports.

Amadeus confirmed that its Seamless Gates support the rollout under a long-term contract with the Home Office and UK Border Force. Initially available to British citizens, contactless processing will subsequently extend to other nationalities eligible to use eGates.

Headquartered in Madrid, Amadeus was established in 1987 by Air France, Iberia, Lufthansa and SAS to develop a shared airline distribution system. It has since expanded into technology for airlines and airports. Its acquisition of biometric specialist Vision-Box in April 2024 strengthened its capabilities in automated border control and digital identity management.