Taking more steps to make travel safe, the Hamad International Airport (HIA) said yesterday that wearing face masks is compulsory for passengers and they would be required to carry alcohol-based hand sanitisers. The world-class airport has made sanitising stations throughout the terminal.

“It is mandatory for all travelling passengers to wear face masks, without which access to the terminal building will be denied. Kindly follow the correct usage replacement, and disposal of face masks. Please ensure you carry a sufficient number of masks as well as alcohol-based hand sanitising solutions for the duration of your journey,” said HIA in statement posted on its website. 

 “Passengers are urged to observe personal hygiene and frequently sanitise your hands. Sanitising stations have been made available throughout the terminal,” said HIA.

All the passengers will be required to undergo thermal screening process. The airport has advised passengers to avoid travelling if they have symptoms of sickness.   

“Please arrive at the airport no more than three hours prior to your flight to undergo all required checks. All passengers will be subject to the thermal screening process at Hamad International Airport. Kindly note that only travelling passengers will be permitted access into the terminal,” said the airport. 

“Hamad International Airport would like to remind passengers of the current safety measures to be observed and complied with while travelling, to ensure the safety of all passengers and airport staff. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport if showing any of the following symptoms: fever, dry cough, shortness of breath and loss of smell or taste,” added the airport.

The passengers will be required to observe physical distancing and follow instructions provided by the airport. “All passengers are requested to observe and comply with physical distancing requirements. Please follow the instructions provided by airport personnel as well as the advice displayed across the airport through signage and screens,” said HIA.

The multiple award-winning airport has adopted innovating measures to keep passengers safe. 

HIA is now using robotics and advanced thermal screening helmets as part of the measures being introduced for the Post-COVID-19 era. The Smart Screening Helmet is a wearable intelligent helmet, which is portable, safe and effective, and enables contactless temperature measurement. 

This helmet uses multiple advanced technologies such as infrared thermal imaging, artificial intelligence and AR (augmented reality) display. It can also enable implementation of mobile deployment-based control scenarios.  

The airport has implemented the latest technologies to optimise passenger and employee safety in preparation for post-COVID-19 travel.