Evening Standard 6 May 2020 - by Jonathan Prynn
Heathrow is to start trialling temperature detecting cameras in one of its immigration halls as part of a major programme to screen passengers for Covid-19.
The airport’s chief executive John Holland-Kaye told MPs on the Transport Select Committee that the technology could be introduced initially at Terminal Two within the next fortnight.
If it is successful, the equipment will then be rolled out to departures, connections and colleague search areas throughout the airport.
The cameras are part of a package of measures under consideration to make London’s hub safer for travellers.
Others include UV sanitation, which could be used to sterilise security trays; and contact-free security screening equipment to reduce person-to-person contact.
Mr Holland-Kaye said that before any new measures are rolled out across the airport, they will be reviewed to ensure they are medically grounded, build consumer confidence and practical for airports to deliver.
He added: “Aviation is the cornerstone of the UK economy, and to restart the economy, the Government needs to help restart aviation.
"The UK has the world’s third largest aviation sector offering the platform for the Government to take a lead in agreeing a Common International Standard for aviation health with our main trading partners. This Standard is key to minimising transmission of Covid-19 across borders, and the technology we are trialling at Heathrow could be part of the solution.”
Patrick Ikhena, head of travel at consumer site comparethemarket.com, said: “It is likely that, once restrictions are eased, international travel will look quite different for passengers – at least for the foreseeable future.
"There are likely to be more checks at airports and other major transportation hubs, which could include temperature checks and the requirement to provide evidence that you do not have COVID-19 before embarking on a flight. It is possible that passengers will need to allow considerably more time to arrive at the airport than is currently required.”
