East Midlands Airport

Improving airport passenger flow management for families

About

Optimizing passenger flow management and airport access at East Midlands Airport

East Midlands Airport is enhancing the travel experience through improved passenger flow management and airport access control. In collaboration with dormakaba, the airport's operator has implemented advanced airport security systems across key touchpoints, from entrance areas to security and boarding. These smart access solutions enable secure, intuitive movement throughout the terminal while supporting smoother passenger flows. The result is a more enjoyable, safer journey for travelers, whether the airport marks the start or end of a trip.

Location: East Midlands Airport, near Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester (UK) Completion: 2024 Highlight: Integrated dormakaba access solutions enabling smoother passenger flows and a seamless travel experience

Challenges

How can passenger flow management remain secure and stress-free as airports grow?

  • Managing high passenger volumes with efficient passenger flow management

  • Reducing congestion while keeping walking distances to a minimum

  • Ensuring fast, secure processes through airport access control

  • Balancing strict safety requirements with a smooth travel experience

  • Enabling intuitive wayfinding for international and leisure travelers

  • Supporting seamless, touch-free access across all airport touchpoints

“Together with dormakaba, we’ve made it easier for passengers to move through the airport while maintaining our high East Midlands Airport security standards, whether departing or arriving.”

Brian McCoubrey

Asset Development Director, East Midlands Airport

Details

Seamless passenger flow and airport access control for safer journeys

East Midlands Airport faces the persistent challenge of managing high passenger volumes within a compact layout, particularly during peak leisure travel periods (e.g. summer vacation). This calls for passenger flow management and airport access control that keep movement fast, intuitive and secure across every touchpoint.

To address this operational hurdle, dormakaba implemented smart access control systems across entrance and pre-security areas. Anti-walk-back gates and pre-security access points ensure controlled entry for individuals while maintaining a seamless flow of passengers. This supports both operational control and a smooth passenger experience, whether departing or arriving – even at peak times.

Touch-free access plays a key role in reducing friction and supporting efficient passenger flow. Automatic door systems and clearly structured access points allow travelers to move independently through East Midlands Airport, thus improving orientation and reducing congestion in high-traffic areas.

By combining smart access solutions with a consistent approach to design, the airport benefits from a unified system for managing access and the flow of people. This enhances overall security, supports staff in managing passenger movement and delivers a smoother journey for travelers from departure to arrival.

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