Latin America. Airports around the world have faced a sudden change that has diverted them from their usual course. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a monumental shift in airport operations. According to ACI World, global passenger traffic declined in April 2020, to 94.4% year-on-year, an unprecedented number. Airports are now facing uncertainty and the need to make urgent decisions to return to normalcy more quickly and smoothly.
That is why, now more than ever, airports are supporting each other to share knowledge and best practices, and with it, prepare to provide security to passengers and employees and thus increase their operations. Airports in the United States and Canada have shared some of the practices they have implemented to improve their safety and that could, without a doubt, be replicated in Latin America for an efficient and safe operation even in times of health risk.
As base initiatives, the space between passengers has been marked at all checkpoints, using the marks of healthy ground clearance, use of alternative doors and lanes, hand sanitizing stations in all terminals, acrylic divisions at all points of interaction, such as check-in and immigration counters and improved cleaning methods throughout the airport, among other measures.
The use of face masks is mandatory among airport staff, in addition to passengers being asked to wear masks both at the airport and on airplanes to minimize risks of possible transmission of COVID-19.
Today these actions are needed more than ever, as airports continue with great movement; a clear example is the International Airport of Mexico City, which a few days before the Start of the Easter holidays, it was already saturated; 654 air operations were scheduled on March 25 and the airport authorities reported that it was expected to serve around 68,000 daily users and have 750 takeoffs and 800 landings each day, approximately.
And it is that the effects of COVID-19 were a surprise for many, it was necessary to elaborate in a short time resilience and reconstitution plans to give a clearer direction in terms of newly developed policies, as well as the next steps for airports, not only for travelers but also for employees.
On the other hand, the use of technology has been fundamental for the control and guarantee of the safety of travelers. In most airports, tests have been carried out with thermal cameras that check the temperature; however, problems have arisen in finding an accurate solution with few false positives. Contactless technology is what many airports are looking for today and is the future of travel; Likewise, doors with facial biometrics for the best control of arrivals and departures that allows the best flow of passengers and avoids crowds, are being gradually implemented in different airports to build a contactless trip for passengers.
And while airports also face the challenge of deciding how much money should be invested, one thing is certain: everyone is determined to provide a positive experience to all travelers by providing security and peace of mind.
All practices and measures taken so far can be underpinned with your physical security system. While keeping passengers safe is always the number one priority, the current challenges of the pandemic are leading security systems to provide a complete understanding of the entire facility and thereby take action.
Technology can create big changes, but it is important to be aware that investments must lead to operational efficiency throughout the ecosystem: operations, security, ground personnel, air, airlines, personnel and passengers. While we must find a balance between people, processes/procedures and technology, to reduce the risk of contagion; there is nothing like the awareness that the community at large must have of the importance of following the established measures, which will ultimately make a difference.
* Author: Gigi Agassini, Business Development Area Manager, Genetec Mexico.
