Ed Sheeran has found a new audience - anxious travellers waiting to pass through airport security.

London City Airport has begun a policy of playing soft music for the queues of people in the airport's main security area. Two playlists are featured - one of ambient electronica and another comprising of upbeat acoustic songs, the latter of which features Sheeran alongside artists like Gavin James, Ben Howard and Adele.

Melanie Burnley, a spokesperson for the airport, said management hoped to make the process of passing through the security checkpoint a more pleasant one for customers. "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."

Music psychologists like Dr Stephenie Bramley state that music can have an important impact on the feelings of crowds, by helping to create an appropriate atmosphere. It is hoped that the music will prove to be a positive distraction from the tedium of security protocol, and that it "may also enhance passenger experience by helping to create a pleasant environment and potentially improving their mood.”

The airport has also released a Spotify playlist in coincide with the new policy, featuring such apropos classics as Lenny Kravitz' 'Fly Away', Sinatra's 'Come Fly With Me', and John Denver's 'Leaving on a Jet Plane'.