Hamad International Airport (HIA) has experienced a substantial increase in passenger traffic this year. In Q3, the airport served a total of 9.68 million passengers, making it the busiest quarter of the year so far, with a 10.6% increase in passenger traffic year-on-year. Engr. Badr Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer, Hamad International Airport, says: “We expect to finish off the year with positive growth as we continue to accommodate an increasing number of passengers.”
To support this growth, HIA is accelerating its digital transformation plan, bringing the latest in technology and implementing innovative solutions under the ‘Smart Security’ and ‘Smart Airport’ programmes.
Badr Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer, Hamad International Airport: “We expect to finish off the year with positive growth as we continue to accommodate an increasing number of passengers.”
HIA has successfully identified areas to optimise operational efficiency to deliver an enhanced airport experience through a customer-centric focus. The airport is currently in the final stages of an evolution programme that measures the security and operational benefits of the screening technology, utilising new ECAC-certified EDS (Explosive Detection Systems) algorithms. This would allow the airport to provide screening of cabin baggage without the need to remove electronic devices.
Moreover, the airport is currently initiating new trials aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of robotics for passenger facilitation, and of blockchain technology for rapid and secure sharing of data across multiple stakeholders. “We are also tapping into a variety of new and emerging technologies as part of our Smart Airport programme,” says Al Meer. “Our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SITA provides
a key framework for us to trial robotics, blockchain, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology solutions to further strengthen customer satisfaction.”
Hamad Airport is a Gold Sponsor at this year’s ACI Airport Exchange in Oslo, where it will share its progress on the Smart Airport programme, as well as continuous improvement of passenger experience. “We look forward to this event, as an opportunity for key players in the airport and aviation sector to exchange insights and knowledge on latest trends, research and developments that benefit the industry as a whole,” Al Meer says.
