New screening technology for Hamad International Airport

Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (HIA) has become the first airport in the Middle East to install Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX machines, which utilises Computed Tomography (CT) technology to X-ray screen carry-on baggage at security checkpoints.

The new additions are expected to help expedite the security screening process by allowing passengers to keep electronic devices and liquids in their hand baggage, subsequently reducing wait times and boosting customer satisfaction levels.

Hamad’s vice president of security, Saeed Yousef Al-Sulaiti, says: “At HIA, we are always championing the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to ensure operational excellence and deliver a seamless passenger experience.

“Smiths Detection has a reputation for providing market leading solutions with world-renowned standards for quality. We are proud to be the first airport in the region to introduce the latest CT screening technology available in the industry.

“HIA is committed to remaining at the forefront of technological advancements to continuously enhance the passenger experience while improving operational efficiency.”

These new generation X-ray machines will be partnered with fully automated tray return systems integrated with automated UV-C emitting modules that will automatically disinfect the trays before passengers handle them to further safeguard the health and safety of all HIA passengers.

HIA is also quick to point out that the new screening lanes will allow the parallel preparation of passengers for the screening process and provide convenient space to avoid congestion whilst providing high capacity and a swift screening process.

As a result of an extensive evaluation programme, HIA also selected new passenger screening technology to replace the previous generation.

A non-invasive, contactless screening method will be provided by the deployment of Rohde & Schwarz Millimeter-wave body scanners and CEIA shoe scanners, reducing the need for pat-down search and shoe removal.

HIA, in partnership with Smiths Detection, also intends to remove screening operators from the new lanes to provide more efficient handling of images and allow the screeners to sit in a more suitable environment to interpret images without the distractions of a busy checkpoint, further enhancing security and safety.

Screening operators will be also supported with the newest technological development of AI-based threat object detection software called iCMORE that provides aid by detecting sharp objects or other possibly dangerous items.