New C2 security screening technology implemented at Hamad Airport

Hamad International Airport (DOH) has announced the installation of the latest security screening technology, which is an advanced algorithm that enables security personnel to easily detect explosive materials held in complex structures.

The technology also enables transfer passengers to keep electronic devices – such as laptops, tablets and digital cameras – in their hand luggage whilst going through security; improving levels of customer service and the need for further divestment, which also has 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 Hamad Airport to reach a higher and internationally recognised 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, as it 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.

Vice President – Security at Hamad International Airport, Saeed Yousef Al-Sulaiti, said: “The security process at DOH is continuously improving through the introduction of cutting-edge technologies. Our goal is to make the travel journey safer, given the current COVID-19 pandemic. During these challenging times, our priority remains to protect passengers while preserving security. Through the implementation of C2 technology, we can accomplish a more efficient protocol that addresses all passenger concerns. Our passenger-centric strategy helps us continue our investments towards that front while developing solutions that are in the best interest of our people.”

Applying this latest technology will boost Hamad Airport’s passenger processing capacity while reducing queuing times at security points. 

The airport is looking into implementing body scanners in order to provide better security outcomes while slowly easing all body search procedures. This 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 airport passengers.

The 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 passengers’ face their pass at key airport touchpoints, such as self-service bag-drop, pre-immigration, e-Gate and the self-boarding gate.

In its effort to safeguard its staff and passengers against COVID-19, the airport has introduced a series of unprecedented measures, including its investment in robotics and advanced thermal screening helmets. The airport also acquired disinfectant robots, which are fully autonomous mobile devices emitting concentrated UV-C light, known to be effective in eliminating the majority of infectious microorganisms. The robots are being deployed in vulnerable high passenger flow areas across the terminal to reduce the spread of pathogens. The airport also implemented ultra-violet disinfection tunnels that will be used to disinfect all checked-in passenger luggage (departing, arriving and transferring).