QATAR. Hamad International Airport today shared details of its strategy to achieve the highest standards of cleanliness for its facilities and the safety of its passengers. Cleaning robots using ultraviolet light and thermal screening helmets are among the new technologies being adopted to combat COVID-19 and other potential diseases at the airport.
These high-tech measures are being deployed alongside other safety methods including strict social distancing, the frequent disinfecting of high traffic terminal areas and the compulsory wearing of masks for staff.
Crucially, all of Hamad International’s retail and food & beverage outlets are encouraging cashless transactions through cards and the airport revealed it is exploring options to introduce online or in-app purchases in the future.
The new Smart Screening Helmets being worn by airport security staff enable contactless temperature measurement of passengers and airport employees. These helmets use advanced technologies such as infrared thermal imaging, artificial intelligence and augmented reality displays.
A significant investment has also been made in the latest disinfectant robots – fully autonomous mobile devices emitting concentrated UV-C (ultraviolet) light, which is known to be effective in eliminating the majority of infectious microorganisms. The airport said that the robots are being deployed in vulnerable high passenger flow areas to reduce the spread of pathogens.
Using various cleaning methods, the airport has instated a policy for high contact areas to be cleaned and disinfected every 10-15 minutes.
In addition, all passengers are being provided with readily-available hand sanitisers at key locations across the terminals. The airport said it will continue to maintain 1.5 metres of social distancing across all passenger areas around the airport, encouraged by floor markings, signage and distance seating.
Furthermore, ultraviolet disinfection tunnels are being introduced to disinfect all checked-in passenger luggage (covering departing, arriving and transferring luggage). The airport will also conduct regular disinfection of all baggage trolleys, and plastic trays in security areas.
Meanwhile, the airport has made compulsory the wearing of masks and gloves by staff. To help enforce their use, the airport has adopted a face mask detection system which uses artificial intelligence and computer vision technologies to automatically detect if all members of airport staff are wearing them.
Hamad International Airport Chief Operating Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer said: “HIA has 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.”
He added: “These plans include the use of the latest advanced technology to achieve the highest safety standards for the future travel experience.”
The new cleaning methods aim to strengthen Hamad International’s recently-achieved status as the third best airport in the world, as rated by the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2020, which measure the performance of 550 major airports worldwide.
