The Government is considering fining airlines and airports after it emerged that the number of misdirected passengers at UK border checks jumped by 70% from 1,364 in 2016 to 2,328 in 2017.

Home Office figures, released following a Freedom of Information request, showed more than 11,000 air passengers were misdirected and accidentally bypassed UK border checks between 2013 and 2017.

It is considering levying a fine of up to £50,000 on carriers and operators responsible for misdirecting passengers, using a power that exists under the Immigration Act 2016.

The Home Office insisted there were no examples of dangerous individuals arriving unchecked because of a misdirection, but acknowledged a 'relatively small but unacceptable' number are misdirected.

But the Airport Operators Association (AOA) said it did not agree with penalties, saying it was 'disproportionate' in light of the numbers of passengers involved.

Courtesy of Travelmole