New Innovations Happening at HIA for a More Efficient Airport Experience

Qatar is holding true to its name of being one of the richest countries in the world with the Hamad International Airport and Qatar Airways working together to give all passengers a seamless travel experience.

Aside from installing additional self-service check-in kiosks at HIA, the completion of e-bag tags and e-passport has just been announced.

Modernization and innovations happening at HIA ©Aero Icarus/Flickr

First in the Middle East to Use E-bag Tags

Just last month, it was announced that the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) has completed the readability tests of the electronic bag tag (EBT) to make travel experience more convenient to passengers of HIA. This accomplishment will also make HIA the first airport in the Middle East and North African region to use EBTs.

According to HIA’s Commercial and Marketing vice-president Abdulaziz al-Mass, this project aims to lessen passengers’ time spent in long queues, baggage claim process and provide a more efficient airport operation.

Qatar Airways and HIA are also working on giving passengers permanent e-bag tags in the future that will do away with the need to apply and print traditional bag tags.

Abdulaziz al-Mass also stated that: “HIA is one of the most advanced airports in the world and is accelerating its digital transformation moved by the ambition to become the ‘airport of the future’ with the passenger at the core of our business.”

One of the First Countries to Use E-Passport  

One of several modernization procedures that Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport are undertaking is the issuance of e-passport containing an electronic chip to secure passengers’ ease of traveling and their safety.

The head of the Travel Documents Section of the Nationality and Travel Documents Department at the Ministry of Interior (MoI), Lt. Colonel Salah Salim al-Ali confirmed that this move makes Qatar as one of the top countries in the Arab regions to issue e-passport.

The specifications of the new e-passport contain an electronic chip with the person’s biometric data written in both Arabic and English depending on the specifications of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Passengers’ personal information will also be protected against illegal reading with its large number of security measures that are both visible and non-visible features.

Self-Service Kiosks at HIA

Prior to the issuance of e-bag tags and e-passport, Qatar Airways has already installed new self-service check-in kiosks at the Hamad International Airport for the convenience of the passengers entering and leaving HIA.
The new self-serving machines will allow passengers to check-in and print their own boarding pass minus the ground crew. This will save them from standing in long queues at the check-in counters. And for a more efficient, hassle-free airport experience, the kiosks will also have a do-it-yourself bag-drop facility.

HIA, Smart Airport ©Ken Yamaguchi/Flickr

With the installation of the self-serving kiosks, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker issued the following statements:

“We are dedicated to ensuring that our passengers’ journey is smooth and streamlined, from the moment they purchase their ticket to their arrival at their final destination.”

“This new self-service check-in facility at Hamad International Airport will enable our passengers to enjoy a much faster, more convenient check-in experience. We remain committed to continuing to enhance every element of our passengers’ journey, both on the ground and in the air.”

With the country’s never-ending pursuit of innovation, Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport are spearheading the re-invention of modern-day travelers’ journey.

HIA, candidate for Best International Airport 2018 ©Nelo Hotsuma/Flickr

Candidate for the “World’s Best Airport 2018” awards by Skytrax and expecting to welcome more than 50 million travelers in the coming years, especially with the looming 2022 FIFA World Cup, HIA is moving a step further in the implementation of its Smart Airport Program for the benefit and convenience of their passengers.