Hamad International Airport (HIA) installed the latest security screening technology which is an advanced algorithm that enables security personnel to easily detect explosive materials held in complex items and structures. The technology also allows transfer passengers the freedom to keep electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, digital cameras, etc. in their hand luggage while going through security checkpoints improving levels of customer service and the need for further divestment that has also a hygiene benefit.
The new C2 technology will be initially implemented across all transfer screening checkpoints, upon the gradual reopening of transfer gates. It will significantly enhance airport security while speeding up the inspection process and boosting throughput. The application of this system will allow HIA to reach a higher and internationally recognized explosives detection system standard.
The ECAC C2 Detection standard can identify threat materials in congested bags, including electronic devices that had to be segregated from bags earlier. Once the bag is placed on the X-ray for screening, it can be collected without any further stops for re-screening or physical inspections. The system is also a significant counter COVID-19 measure, that reduces possible cross-contamination among passenger carry-on bags. The implementation of the technology will elevate the airport’s hygiene standards, by limiting human contact at the security checkpoints, making the process safer and faster for both staff and passengers.
Applying this latest technology will boost HIA’s passenger processing capacity while reducing queuing times at security points. This allows HIA to provide a smooth and hassle-free journey to all passengers and maintain its recognition as an airport that consistently meets the highest standards of safety and world-class security.
HIA is looking into the prospect of implementing body scanners, to provide better security outcomes while slowly easing all body search procedures. This potential technology will prove to be helpful in the COVID-19 climate as it helps reduce contact during body searches. Qatar’s international airport is also exploring the introduction of a combination of anti-bacterial trays at checkpoints and automated UV emitting modules that will automatically disinfect the trays passengers touch to further safeguard the health and safety of all HIA passengers.
HIA has recorded previous milestones in its industry-leading transfer security screening in 2019, witnessing shorter queuing times at security points which can accommodate up to 6,000 passengers during peak hours. The airport also introduced additional transfer halls that allow 95% of transfer passengers to queue for under five minutes. Qatar’s airport recently announced the successful completion of the second phase of its Smart Airport Program, offering a fast, secure and contactless airport experience by implementing biometric identification technology. The technology allows passengers to combine their flight, passport, and facial biometric information in a ‘single travel token’ at the self-check-in kiosk.
This digital identity record ultimately makes the passenger’s face their pass at key airport touchpoints, such as self-service bag-drop, pre-immigration, e-Gate and the self-boarding gate. HIA’s visionary approach and early investment in the biometric identification technology proved to be an extremely efficient tool in HIA’s battle against COVID-19, allowing passengers to move through key touchpoints with minimal physical contact.
Source: Hamad International Airport