Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Qatar has launched a trial of new contactless technologies as it seeks to improve the safety of its staff and passengers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The initiative involves testing happyhover and SITA Mobile Solution technology to enable contactless self-check-in and baggage drops at the airport.

The kiosk screens with happyhover technology will enable passengers to make commands through hand gestures without touching the surface.

On the other hand, the SITA Contactless Kiosk Solution allows passengers to control the kiosk screen from their mobile phones. This is enabled when the user scans QR codes to connect their mobile phone via WiFi to the SITA Remote Control App.

Hamad International Airport Technology & Innovation senior vice-president Suhail Kadri said: “We are continually looking for solutions that aid the wellbeing of our passengers and employees. The happyhover and SITA technologies ensure passenger comfort and peace of mind with their intuitive user experience, allowing a range of inputs and gestures.

“The introduction of these technologies at HIA not only fits well within our strategy of frictionless travel as a leading global digital airport but also reaffirms our commitment to rebuilding passenger trust in travelling through Hamad International Airport.”

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, HIA has optimised various airport operations to ensure passenger safety.

This includes the implementation of the C2 security screening technology at the transfer security checkpoint.

It will help the security personnel to identify potential threats in passenger luggage without having to remove laptops and electronic devices, minimising contamination risks.