London City Airport has become the first airport in the UK to play music for passengers as they pass through the main security search area.

Throughout the day, two playlists with either ambient electronica or upbeat acoustic music will be played.

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The songs have been especially selected by music consultancy C-Burn.

"The music at London City Airport may also enhance passenger experience by helping to create a pleasant environment and potentially improving their mood."

The speaker system will play the songs of Adele, Ed Sheeran, Ben Howard, Jason Mraz, and Gavin James.

London City Airport director of customer experience Melanie Burnley said: “It takes passengers just 20 minutes or less to get from the front door of London City Airport to the departure lounge, and we wanted to enhance the customer experience with a soundtrack to security.

"So far we’ve had a very positive reaction to the musical addition from staff and passengers alike, with Ed Sheeran currently the most popular artist.”

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According to music psychologist Dr Stephanie Bramley, the background music could leave a positive impact on passengers while they proceed through the screening lanes.

Bramley added: “Music is a flexible resource which can be used to serve a number of functions in retail and commercial environments.

"In an airport, playing music which is subtle, fits in with the overall ambiance of the security search area, deemed to be familiar, and liked by passengers, might act as a positive distraction where passengers focus on the music instead of the time spent completing the security search process.

"The music at London City Airport may also enhance passenger experience by helping to create a pleasant environment and potentially improving their mood.”  

The airport’s playlists also include 13 air travel-inspired songs, including Joni Mitchell's 'This Flight Tonight', John Denver's 'Leaving on a Jet Plane', Red Hot Chili Peppers' 'Aeroplane', and Frank Sinatra's 'Come Fly With Me'.