Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports will ask all staff and passengers to wear gloves and cover their faces.
Temperature scanners will also be in use as part of a trial to screen those moving through the airport, while passengers could also be asked to make a health declaration before entering terminals, according to reports.
Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which owns and operates Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports, has drawn up plans to deal with Covid-19 having been in consultation with medical experts. The government is yet to set out a framework for UK airports to adhere to.
Charlie Cornish, group chief executive of MAG, said: “Government has been slow to work with the UK aviation industry on what flying will look like in the new world.
“It is vital that we work together to establish a clear and workable set of proposals, so that we are in position to lead discussions with other countries.
“It’s clear that social distancing does not work on any form of public transport. But we’re confident that when the time is right, people will be able to travel safely.
“UK airports have put a package of measures on the table for discussion with government. We now need the government to work urgently with airports and airlines to agree how we operate in the future. This has to be a top priority so that people can be confident about flying, and to get tourism and travel going again.
“At MAG we’ve taken expert medical advice on how people can travel safely. From next week, we’ll be piloting new measures at MAG airports for those passengers who still need to travel.”
A spokesman for Manchester airport told the Manchester Evening News: “Manchester airport can confirm it will be piloting various new safety measures that are being put in place across MAG later this week.
“They are designed to help the small number of passengers currently making essential journeys through Manchester airport feel safer and more confident about flying at this time.
“We will be providing confirmation of exact guidance for passengers, to allow them to fully prepare for their journey, before the measures are put in place.”