New Zealanders granted right to fast-track at UK airports

In the lead-up to Brexit, New Zealanders and Australians are being given permission to use the electronic passport gates at UK airports previously reserved for European citizens.

Americans, Canadians and Japanese citizens will also be granted the privilege, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond announced on Tuesday (NZT) as part of the new budget. 

The move should reduce the time it takes travellers from the five countries to move through UK airports. It is due to come into effect in the middle of 2019.

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With traveller numbers to the UK likely to increase over the next few years, some have predicted Brexit could cause travel chaos if new measures are not introduced. 

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK - the trade body for UK registered airlines, welcomed the move.

"As passenger numbers continue to rise, UK Border Force must be adequately resourced and adopt new approaches in order to prevent a repeat of last summer, where lengthy border queues were experienced at a number of UK airports.

"This announcement is a welcome step in the right direction, enabling millions more travellers to be processed more quickly. It's important now to ensure Government rapidly implements the required technical changes so passengers can take advantage as quickly as possible." 

There are currently 250 e-passport gates at 22 air and rail ports across the UK.