Hamad International Airport to Become a ‘Smart Airport’

Hamad International Airport (HIA) has commenced the testing phase of its program to transform itself into a ‘smart airport’ by integrating best of breed technologies that will offer passengers more control and independence over their journey.

From check-in to boarding, every step of the journey will be self-service enabled to significantly improve efficiency and reduce waiting times. 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 be able to enjoy a more enjoyable travel experience.

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at HIA, said, “HIA 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  fatest passenger processing and security technologies are either already deployed or being trialled to maintain and boost our position as one of the best airports in the world.”

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.

Those services will be continuously enhanced to offer travellers more 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 the responsible government authorities to extend these benefits to visitors to Qatar.

The airport also has ongoing trials to optimize the security checks by speeding up the process and minimizing inconvenience to the passengers.

HIA has even successfully completed trials for self-boarding gates to expedite passenger processing at boarding gates.

Strategically, HIA has initiated dialogue with government authorities and other airport stakeholders to co-create a vision for the next-generation single-token based travel at the airport that would provide the ultimate experience by eliminating the need for the passengers to present the same documentation at multiple touch points.

“These technological advancements at key passenger touch points will take passenger experience at HIA 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 remaining is being trialled with phased completion planned in the near future.” said Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at HIA.

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