Qatar airport partners with HBKU to improve passenger experience

HIA says it’s committed to unlocking the power of technology to elevate its operational excellence and meet passengers’ needs

Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (HIA) has announced a joint research partnership with the Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) College of Science and Engineering (CSE) to enhance passenger services.

The first-of-its-kind research partnership in Qatar will utilise Visual Analytics and Dynamic Graph research techniques to identify ways to enhance the passenger airport experience. The dynamic graphing method detects relationships within vast amounts of information, which are then visualised to assist researchers and airport professionals in identifying patterns such as changing travel routes. Based on these insights, HIA will be able to offer its passengers customised travel experiences.

As part of the partnership, HBKU’s CSE will offer research technique advice and software programming, and synthesise data and share findings throughout the 36-month programme. HIA, and its Information Technology department, will – among other tasks – review research reports and test software output from the study.

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Speaking about the partnership, Hamad International Airport chief operating officer Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “Our collaboration with HBKU heralds a new era in HIA’s technological evolution, and firmly positions Qatar’s airport as a knowledge-hub with the expertise to advance the aviation industry in the country and beyond. As a leading travel hub, our passengers have always been our top priority, and we believe in going the extra mile with research and strategic partnerships to provide our customers with an airport experience like no other. We look forward to utilising the results of the study to optimise passenger travel time and personalise their experience at our terminal.”

HBKU College of Science and Engineering founding dean, Dr Mounir Hamdi, added: “At CSE, we take great pride in addressing real-world challenges with our research. The collaboration with Hamad International Airport, one of the premier logistics providers in the world, is an excellent example underscoring the practical relevance and impact of the research conducted at our college. HBKU complements Hamad International Airport’s renowned expertise in logistics and information technology with our own in visualisation and cybersecurity. I believe that all parties will benefit tremendously from this collaboration and hope that many joint projects will follow.”

As a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, HIA was the first airport to request a pioneering prototype of UV-C baggage tray disinfection for its cabin baggage scanners, which were retrofitted in record time as part of HIA’s hygiene measures. 

The airport has also enabled contactless temperature measurement through its portable and effective Smart Screening Helmets, which use advanced technologies such as infrared thermal imaging, artificial intelligence and augmented reality displays.

For more information, visit www.dohahamadairport.com