The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) announced that the country’s main international gateway, Ben Gurion Airport, will become a "digital airport" in 2023, in a bid to shorten lines for check-in and eliminate the initial security check.
The IAA said digitization will make it possible to turn procedures for a flight overseas into an independent “touch and play” process, with over $15 million allocated to the digital airport project. Passengers will be able to weigh their suitcases at new kiosks, pay for excess weight as necessary according to the requirements pertaining to different airlines, and print baggage labels and stickers. The suitcase sticker will be scanned next to conveyor belts and baggage will be transported from there to the aircraft hold.
Passengers will only go through a security check after completing the check-in process for their flight, either online or by using one of the independent kiosks that will be installed in the airport’s departures halls. Most of the process required for leaving the country will be done online and vial digital means.
The IAA also plans to expand the hand luggage inspection area to improve waiting times for those traveling without check-in baggage. In the Departures Hall, further technology will be installed on 24 hand luggage inspection stands to speed up procedures.
Per the Israel Airports Authority, 18 million passengers are expected to transit via the airport in 2022, rising to 24 million next year. Owing to the planned digitalization process, waiting time will be shortened for passengers opting for both online and in-person check-ins.
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