Congestion, security 'a priority for airports'

The world's major airports see congestion and security as their most significant priorities that necessitate investment in IT facilities, according to a new survey.

Technology and communications company SITA polled the top 200 airport operators from around the globe and found that the 2.1 billion passengers who boarded planes last year highlighted the pressing nature of issues of overcrowding and safety.

The number of fliers is expected to increase at a rate of over five per cent every year.

According to the results of the SITA survey, airports are embracing new technologies such as self-service check-in systems to address congestion issues and are considering stricter security regulations.

John Jarrell, SITA's senior vice-president for airport services, said: "Delays at security, check-in and baggage collection are all touch points which frustrate the travelling public and they are now at the top of the airport IT agenda when it comes to investing in new technologies such as self-service kiosks, remote passenger check-in, fast bag drop-off and biometrics.

"Passenger and baggage processing are the priorities for the overwhelming majority of respondents to this year's survey when it comes to IT investment and this is mainly driven by a desire to improve customer service."

Mr Jarrell said that "vast improvements" in passenger processing can be expected as travellers begin to get to grips with new technologies.