Iris-recognition technology will control access to restricted areas

The new eye-scanning system, which uses biometric technology, will be rolled out across all three airport terminal service yards.

An airport spokeswoman said it was the first UK airport to use the system for staff access.

The system is separate from the iris checking technology used by passengers.

The staff system was initially trialled at the Terminal 3 service yard.

"The trial of the technology has gone really well and we are now extending it to include two new areas of access to the restricted zone," said Asha Williams, Manchester Airport's security and training manager.