Hamad Airport implements new technologies for post-COVID-19 era

Hamad International Airport (HIA) has implemented the latest technologies to ensure passenger and employee safety in preparation for post-COVID-19 travel.

HIA is to continue conducting thermal screening and disinfection procedures for all staff and passengers. The Smart Screening Helmet is a wearable intelligent helmet, which is portable, safe and effective and enables contactless temperature measurements. The helmet uses infrared thermal imaging, artificial intelligence and augmented reality.

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, said: “HIA has adapted to the changes brought on by the spread of COVID-19. 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.”

HIA has also invested in disinfectant robots – which are fully autonomous mobile devices emitting concentrated UV-C light – deployed in high passenger flow areas to reduce the spread of pathogens.

Hand sanitisers are available at key locations and the airport will continue to maintain 1.5m social distancing across all touchpoints around the airport. All HIA retail and food and beverage outlets will encourage cashless transactions.

Furthermore, HIA has invested in ultra-violet disinfection tunnels that will be used to disinfect all checked-in passenger luggage.

For the safety of employees, the airport is emphasising the use of masks and gloves, and is using a face mask detection system which utilises artificial intelligence and computer vision technologies to automatically check if everyone is wearing masks.

Fully autonomous mobile device emitting concentrated UV-C light