How have airports changed during the pandemic?

You’ve probably already heard that the world will never be the same. And it’s true. The pandemic reminded us about health safety, not just our own, but also that of those around us. Airports, as a major hub for the spread of infections, are taking various safety measures to ensure passengers can board without fear. In this article, we’ll tell you about the interesting ideas that have been implemented in various airports for flight safety. Thanks to the experts at Globettrender for their research!

Health Ambassadors

Admit it, it’s pleasant to fly knowing that there’s someone on board who can help if needed. Now, at Abu Dhabi Airport and on Etihad Airways flights, Health Ambassadors will be present to provide passengers with necessary support. For example, for aerophobes who are suddenly overcome by a wave of fear. It’s not entirely clear yet what other functions they will have, as they are not full-fledged doctors. But, as they say, time will tell.

In addition, the airline has introduced a guide with cleanliness and health protection standards. It literally covers everything, from cleaning the aircraft cabin after a flight to in-flight meal service. Well done!

Antimicrobial Trays

Special trays have been introduced at Edinburgh Airport. Their feature is a special coating that prevents the spread of viruses and bacteria from person to person. Among the bacteria doomed to failure were Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, as well as MRSA and VRE (enterococci). The airport also plans to use special aerosols for luggage trolleys.

Thermometry

Infrared cameras are about to appear at Britain’s Bournemouth Airport, which will help identify people with a clear fever in the crowd. Initially, such cameras were installed at staff entrances, and now they are being tested on passenger flows in Manchester and London Heathrow.

A similar system already exists in Doha, but there, thermometry is integrated into special helmets worn by airport staff. Information is transmitted to them using an infrared thermal imager and artificial intelligence. It looks wild, but this is our future.

PPE Distribution

Qatar Airways cares for its passengers and provides personal protective equipment. Those departing from Doha receive face shields already at the check-in counter. On board, all passengers are entitled to a complete kit: a disposable face mask, hand gloves, and antiseptic gel. The flight attendants themselves wear disposable gowns.

Masks are also provided on Etihad Airways flights, but with a slight difference: in first class and business, masks are reusable, while in economy, they are disposable.

Contactless Travel

Oslo has outdone everyone by offering contactless travel. The idea is to check in for a flight, drop off luggage, go through security, and board without interacting with other people. This is a complex set of systems, including self-check-in and self-bag-drop machines. Cool, well done! Those who struggle with foreign languages will no longer have to worry, as everything can be done independently. Currently, this system only operates in Oslo, but it will soon launch in Bergen, Stavanger, and Trondheim.

Changi Airport in Singapore is moving in the same direction. With automated systems, passengers will be able to not only check in and drop off luggage independently but also go through document verification using cameras with iris recognition.

Cabin Cleaning

With this whole viral situation, the first thing needed is aircraft cabin cleaning. United and British Airways have announced that they have hired additional cleaning staff and now clean the cabin from nose to tail. Specifically, disinfection of armrests, tray tables, and common areas of the aircraft is carried out after each flight. This will make sense if passengers also follow recommendations and use PPE during the flight.

All these measures do not mean that you can stop washing your hands, grabbing everything, and then touching your face. We still recommend taking care of yourself and observing protective measures. So what if you’re the only one in the cabin wearing a mask and gloves? Who cares! You’ll be safer, and your nerves calmer, and that’s worth a lot.

All photos are taken from globetrender.com