AIRPORT SECURITY
Airport security & COVID-19 The acceleration to contactless checkpoint solutions by Kevin Riordan, Head of Checkpoint Solutions
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s COVID-19 travel restrictions around the world continue to hold back the recovery of the aviation industry, the focus has been on restoring consumer confidence in flying and ensuring as minimal disruption to travel possible. For airports, adjusting the operating environment and exploring innovative health solutions to protect passengers and staff from potential virus transmission has been
38 | August 2021 | IN SECURITY
a continual process, which is still ongoing. The priority for airports continues to be minimizing the risk of contagion during the passenger journey through implementing anti-viral measures that limit contact at all possible touchpoints, maintain social distance and minimise faceto-face interaction. Many of these measures are typically deployed in indoor public spaces, such as face coverings, routine sanitization of
contact points and COVID-19 testing. In an airport environment however, the most challenging procedures to adapt take place at the security checkpoint, as the security outcome can never be compromised. Not only do screening processes typically require contact and interaction, but the checkpoint is usually the pressure point in any passenger journey, with bottlenecks making physical distancing difficult.
