The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has made a significant decision to introduce Electronic gates (E-gates) at airports throughout Pakistan, as reported by ARY News citing insider information. This decision marks the commencement of the first phase of the E-gate project in three major international airports: Islamabad, Allama Iqbal, and Jinnah International Airport. The supervision of this project falls under the purview of the Aviation Secretary and the Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority (DGCAA).
In the process of implementing the E-gate project, valuable input has been solicited from various national institutions, including the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) passports, and FIA immigration. Following board approval, tenders will be issued for the E-gate project, signaling a significant step toward modernizing airport operations in Pakistan.
The installation of E-gates promises to streamline the travel experience for passengers, alleviating the need for them to wait in queues to obtain boarding passes. Instead, passengers will be able to acquire their boarding cards swiftly through the E-gate by scanning their passport and ticket. Sources within the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) indicate that the E-gate system harnesses the data embedded in the Passport's biometric chip.
This cutting-edge technology will enhance international travel convenience for passengers. Under this system, passengers will undergo biometric authentication through facial recognition, fingerprint scans, iris recognition, or other relevant procedures. Subsequently, the gate will automatically open, facilitating a smoother boarding process for travelers.