ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has announced plans to install e-gates at several airports across the country to expedite immigration processing for passengers.
According to a PCAA spokesperson, the introduction of e-gates aims to provide swift clearance in line with international standards. Initially, these e-gates will be installed at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, and Islamabad International Airport.
Passengers will be able to scan their passports at the gates, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing the overall travel experience. The PCAA has invited bids from technology companies for the installation of these advanced gates, with a submission deadline of August 13.
Additionally, a team from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements at Karachi and Islamabad airports. The UAE-GCAA’s aviation security assessment was led by Senior Director Abdullah Al Kaabi and hosted by PCAA.
During their visit, the team inspected various security areas at both airports, including passenger and baggage screening, cargo, and catering security. They also evaluated the security protocols of airlines operating direct flights to the UAE, ground handling agents, regulated cargo agents, and catering companies.
This initiative is expected to significantly bolster Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure, positioning the country’s airports among the most efficient and competitive on a global scale. The introduction of e-gates is a transformative step, leveraging advanced technology to expedite passenger processing and enhance overall airport efficiency.
E-gates utilize biometric verification, such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, to automate identity checks, thereby reducing wait times and minimizing the potential for human error. This not only enhances the passenger experience by ensuring a faster and smoother transit through security checkpoints but also strengthens security measures, making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access.
