Hamad International Airport to soon become ‘smart’
The Hamad International Airport (HIA) has started the testing phase of its programme to transform itself into a ‘smart airport’ by integrating state-of-the-art technologies that would offer passengers more control and independence over their journey.
Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, along with the Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti attended a trial session at HIA.
HIA’s Chief Operating Officer Eng Badr Mohammed Al Meer demonstrated the airport’s new technologies to them.
According to The Peninsula, every step of the journey, from check-in to boarding, will be self-service enabled to significantly improve efficiency and reduce waiting time, said a statement yesterday.
Combined with the airport’s complimentary Wi-Fi and the iBeacon enabled mobile app that offers way-finding and context relevant information, HIA’s passengers will truly enjoy an immersive travel experience.
HIA became one of the first airports to support Home Printed Bag Tags (HPBT) and already provides self-service check-in. It will soon be introducing its next generation common use self-service check-in and self-service bag drop services which will enable passengers to check-in themselves, print their boarding pass and baggage tags, tag their bags and simply drop them off at the custom designed bag-drop system.
These services will be continuously enhanced to offer customers options such as excess baggage payment, ability to purchase upgrades and access to lounge services, in partnership with airlines.
HIA currently has 63 automated border control e-gates that allow enrolled nationals and permanent residents to swiftly pass through departure and arrival immigration process based on biometric and travel document verification.
The airport is actively working with responsible government authorities to extend these benefits to the large number of visitors to Qatar.
HIA has also successfully completed trials for self-boarding gates to expedite passenger processing at boarding gates.
Excellent ........................... !!!
Its a good way of reducing staff and hopefully ensuring better throughput of passengers. I wonder how excess baggage will be dealt with
This is truly amazing feature, thanks for the Minister and Minister of Interior for your dedicated services.