Following authorities’ advisory last week that more than 900,000 passengers are anticipated to pass through Dubai International from July 7-10, Abu Dhabi Airports has also announced a compulsory E-registration for the newly launched ‘Smart Travel’ initiative.
This means that all travellers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before their flight departure time as the summer rush begins.
“We have set up E-registration counters in the check-in areas so that guests can register as they wait to check-in. ‘Smart Travel’ was launched in March this year to enhance the passenger experience by decreasing processing times within the airport by up to 70 per cent,” Abu Dhabi Airports said in a statement.
The ‘Smart Travel’ system consists of self-check-in and baggage drop facilities, automated passport control gates equipped with biometric verification functions and facial recognition technology, along with smart boarding gates.
Officials said E-registration counters in the check-in areas have been set up for travellers to register their travel documents as they wait.
Abu Dhabi Airports said they have installed 25 e-registration stands, 58 e-gates, and 76 self-boarding gates distributed at arrivals and departures over the airport’s two terminals.
Additionally, the airport is already operating 10 self-check-in kiosks and two self-baggage drop.
The ‘Smart Travel’ process involves five steps:
1. Self Check-In: Check in by getting your boarding pass using one of the self-check-in kiosks at terminal 1 and 3.
2. Self Baggage Drop: Send in your luggage by checking it in through the self-baggage drop system.
3. E-Registration: Sign up for the e-border gate service at one of the e-registration kiosks. You can submit your documents and perform biometric checks yourself, completing the entire process in 20 seconds.
4. E-Gate: Go through passport control in just 7 seconds by using the e-border gates. Once you are done, you can breeze through the Duty Free to shop.
5. Self Boarding: Use the self-boarding gates to validate your printed boarding pass or mobile version and board your flight.
There is clear signage across the airport’s terminals, identifying each step to ensure all passengers benefit from the smart service.
