JEDDAH. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, inaugurated 70 next-generation e-gates at King Abdulaziz International Airport Jeddah, marking a significant leap in automating airport processes. These e-gates, now operational in Terminal 1 and Executive Office facilities, leverage cutting-edge technology to transform how passengers navigate check-in and departure procedures. Here’s how they work:
Seamless Passenger Processing
Upon approaching an e-gate, travelers scan their passport or boarding pass at a self-service kiosk. Integrated biometric systems—combining facial recognition and fingerprint scanning—then authenticate their identity in real time. This eliminates the need for manual document checks by staff. The system cross-references data with immigration and security databases, ensuring compliance while expediting the process. Once verified, the gate automatically opens, allowing passengers to proceed to baggage drop or security, reducing wait times by up to 70%.
The e-gates employ artificial intelligence to analyze passenger data, detect anomalies, and flag potential security risks. This minimizes human error and enhances fraud prevention. Advanced algorithms process biometric matches within seconds, ensuring accuracy even during peak hours. For added convenience, the contactless design allows travelers to complete procedures without physical interaction, aligning with post-pandemic health preferences.
Capacity and Integration
Each e-gate handles approximately 2,500 passengers daily, collectively boosting the airport’s capacity to 175,000 travelers per day. The gates integrate with existing airport systems, such as flight databases and customs platforms, to provide end-to-end automation. This interoperability ensures real-time updates for flight changes or security alerts, streamlining the journey from check-in to boarding.
As the third Saudi airport to adopt this system—following Riyadh’s King Khalid International and Neom Bay Airports—Jeddah’s deployment underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to Vision 2030 goals. By prioritizing AI and automation, Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as a global leader in smart travel, enhancing both operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction. The e-gates represent more than a logistical upgrade; they redefine the airport experience, merging security, speed, and innovation to meet the demands of modern air travel.