DOHA GATEWAY COMPLETES FIRST PHASE OF ITS SMART AIRPORT PROGRAMME

Hamad International Airport (HIA) has announced the successful completion of the first major phase of its Smart Airport programme, which will enable Qatar Airways to process more than 25% of its passengers using self-service check-in and bag-drop facilities.

In partnership with SITA and CCM, the Doha located gateway has successfully commissioned 62 next-generation self-service check-in kiosks and 12 self-service bag drops that boast future biometric technology capability. 

The kiosks are spread across the departures check-in hall and enable passengers to check-in, print boarding passes and bag tags; tag their bags; and drop them at the bag drop before proceeding to border control.

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A mobile Automated Visa Document Check, which is the first of its kind in any major airport worldwide, has also been implemented which enables ground services agents to check a passenger’s visa documentation before continuing their journey.

Although the self-service kiosks and bag drop facilities are currently exclusive to Qatar Airways passengers, the plan is to extend these services to foreign airline passengers in the future. 

Qatar Airways Group's chief executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, said: “As Qatar Airways’ home and hub, Hamad International Airport is the airline’s five-star gateway to the world. 

"Initiatives like the Smart Airport programme put the passenger at the heart of the airport’s strategy, helping make it one of the most technologically advanced and operationally efficient airports in the world.”

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Airport chief operating officer, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, remarked: “In line with our vision and strategic plan, we continue to invest in customer-centric innovative technology to provide fast, seamless and enjoyable travel experience and to be the airport of choice for our discerning customers."

HIA’s Smart Airport programme was inaugurated by Qatar’s Prime Minister His Excellency, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, during a visit to HIA in April 2016. 

The key benefits the self-service programme delivers for airlines, airports and passengers are improved operational efficiency and an enhanced airport experience for passengers.

According to the airport, experience has shown that self-service is faster than traditional methods, as a passenger can typically process one bag in less than 50 seconds.