Hamad International to become smart airport

Hamad International Airport in Qatar is planning to become a ‘smart airport’ by integrating the latest best-of-breed self-service technologies, providing passengers with more control and independence over their journey.

The new program will implement self-service systems at every step of the passenger journey, from check-in to boarding, and will create a one token system meaning that passengers will no longer have to present the same documentation at multiple checkpoints. This will help improve efficiency and reduce security waiting times, creating a fast and seamless passenger experience. The new systems will be complemented by the airport’s mobile app that uses beacons to help passengers navigate the terminal and identify points of interest.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Interior Minister of the State-of-Qatar, along with Jassim Seif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communications, attended a trial session at Hamad Airport where the new technologies were being demonstrated by Badr Mohammed Al Meer, chief operating officer at the airport.

Speaking at the presentation, Al Meer said, “The airport continuously and proactively focuses on its people, processes, technology and partnerships with key stakeholders to provide world class service, as recognized by the industry. The latest passenger processing and security technologies are either already deployed or being trialed to maintain and boost our position as one of the best airports in the world.

“These technological advancements at key passenger touch points will take the passenger experience at Hamad Airport to greater heights. They will also allow the airport to be better connected to its passengers and provide need-based assistance. Several aspects of the program have already been implemented and the remainder is being trialed with phased completion planned in the near future.”

Hamad Airport currently operates 63 automated border control e-gates that use biometric and travel document verification to allow enrolled nationals and permanent residents to pass through immigration. The airport has also successfully completed trials for self-boarding gates which it plans to roll out in the near future.