Qatar’s Hamad International is implementing the latest technologies in an effort to optimise passenger and employee safety for post-COVID-19 travel. The airport plans to use robots and advanced thermal screening helmets as part of measures being introduced for when flying resumes.
The facility has invested in disinfectant robots, which are full autonomous mobile systems that emit UV-C light, which is known to be effective in eliminating most infectious microorganisms. The devices are set to be deployed in vulnerable high passenger flow areas to reduce the spread of pathogens.
The smart screening helmet is a wearable intelligent device that enables contactless temperature measurement. The system uses infrared thermal imaging and artificial intelligence to display the temperature of passengers on an augmented reality display.
Badr Mohammed Al Meer, chief operating officer at Hamad International Airport, said: “[We have] adapted to the changes brought on by the spread of COVID-19 on the world, especially on the travel sector. Recovery plans have been put in place with priority given to the safety and comfort of travellers and employees. These plans include the use of the latest advanced technology to achieve the highest safety standards for the future travel experience.”
In addition, all passengers will be provided with hand sanitisers readily available at key locations and have their checked-in luggage (departing, arriving and transferring) disinfected in ultraviolet tunnels.
The airport will also continue to maintain 1.5m (5ft) social distancing across all passenger touch points through floor markings, signage and distanced seating.
Before COVID-19, the Qatar Airways Group-operated hub handled nearly 40 million passengers per year, equating to more than 230,000 aircraft movements per annum.
