Hyderabad Airport to get a facial recognition (FR) biometric system

Hyderabad, Oct 27: According to a new proposal, The GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) will introduce a facial recognition (FR) biometric system at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) here on a pilot basis from next month.

"We are taking it to such a level that when a bonafide passenger enters, his or her face must be automatically recognized, and be allowed to pass through check-in automatically. The passenger need not go through a second check at the counter," GHIAL Chief Executive Officer SGK Kishore told reporters here on Thursday.

He said the technique would be used on a pilot basis for three to four months after which it would be shown to regulatory agencies, including the Civil Aviation Ministry, CISF, and others, for their approval. The biometric system, apart from facial recognition, will include identification using iris and thumb impression data as well.

"We are looking for a more convenient method to ensure a hassle-free travel experience to passengers," he said. Plans have also been chalked out to link the system with Aadhaar so that when an individual gives a biometric check, it would verify details.

Currently, the airport is handling 32 landings in an hour and once the expansion is completed followed by improvements on the air side, it would be handling one landing every one and a half minute, he said.

On the possibility of extending Metro Rail connectivity to RGIA, Kishore said the State government too wanted the same. "We also want the facility," he said.