The GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) which runs the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad will be going for biometrics and face recognition technology soon and also do away with the airline security check-in once the regulatory approvals come.
“Our efforts are to enhance passenger convenience and lessen the stress associated with check-in and getting into the flight on time.
Towards that end, we are going to take the help of technology and the latest practices available in airports across the world, especially from the new fifth terminal at Singapore,” said Chief Executive Officer S.G.K. Kishore.
While pointing out that the Hyderabad airport was the first in the country to have gone for removal of hand baggage tags, he said the airport was also looking at doing away with the boarding passes altogether to save time.
Scanners test soon
“In a couple of months we will test scanners to identify a bonafide passenger based on face recognition, iris scan or finger print upon entry. It will improve security, but will be optional. Those refusing to do so will have to go through the traditional method,” he explained in an interaction.
Body scanners were tested in Delhi airport and were supposed to have been introduced in Hyderabad too, but the regulatory authorities were yet to approve. Aadhar database will also be tapped for passenger identification.
“With everyone carrying a smart phone these days and check-in being done online, we will also be in a position to remove the individual airline check-in too,” he said.
Mr. Kishore also pointed out that “unlike Mumbai and Delhi, the airport here had several first timers, and to make it easier for them we are going to have more personnel to help such passengers and senior citizens.
While accepting that there was congestion at specific times these days at the airport due to the surge in passenger traffic, he said discussions have been held with other statutory bodies like the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Civil Aviation Ministry to increase the number of security lines and also deploy additional security personnel.
The airport which is currently handling about 17 million passengers per annum aims to hit 25 million passengers by 2025 considering the robust growth (22% last year) registered in the last few years, when it wanted to make the second runway as well as get the second terminal functioning.
From 32 landings an hour, 50 landings will be possible or one in every one and a half minute.
“In the interregnum we will be expanding the existing terminal as it has the enhanced capacity which was planned in the beginning itself with work expected to start from January onwards,” added the CEO.
