In a bid to enhance travel experience and streamline airport operations, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced plans to install new smart gates at major airports in the country, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The move comes as a response to the success of similar e-gate systems implemented in airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, aiming to provide a seamless travel process for the nearly 2 million expatriate community residing in the Emirates. By introducing these advanced technologies, airports in Pakistan are expected to see improvements in passenger satisfaction and enhanced security measures.
The new smart gates project is designed as a self-service immigration system that aims to reduce costs and improve overall passenger experience. The system will be installed at both arrival and departure gates, utilizing cutting-edge technologies to validate passengers’ identities efficiently. With the increasing number of travelers and recent expansions in airports, the implementation of smart gates is seen as a vital step towards modernizing border control solutions in Pakistani airports. This move is expected to enable a smoother immigration process while enhancing security measures during travel.
The significant traffic between the UAE and Pakistan makes the air corridor between the two countries one of the busiest. With over 1.7 million Pakistani diaspora residing in the Gulf Arab country, accounting for 17% of the population, the demand for efficient travel processes is crucial. Furthermore, Pakistanis form the second largest group of foreign workers in the UAE after Indians, with over 230,000 Pakistanis migrating to the Emirates in 2023 for better opportunities. The installation of smart gates is expected to cater to the needs of this growing expatriate community and facilitate their travel between the two countries.
In 2023, Pakistan reported a significant increase in the number of workers moving overseas for employment, with 862,625 individuals seeking opportunities abroad, marking a 4% rise from previous years. The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BE&OE) and Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) played a vital role in facilitating these work opportunities for Pakistani nationals. The installation of smart gates at airports is expected to alleviate the workload on manned immigration counters and establish a standardized automated process for document verification and personal authentication, ensuring the security and integrity of the borders.
Interested companies, both local and international, are invited to submit bids for the installation of e-gate systems at Pakistani airports by August 13, 2024. The scope of the project includes providing, installing, integrating, testing, and commissioning the smart gate systems, followed by operation and maintenance services. With the support of these advanced technologies, the aviation sector in Pakistan aims to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers while ensuring heightened security measures in line with international standards.
As major airlines like Emirates, Flydubai, Etihad, and Air Arabia continue to operate to top destinations in Pakistan, the introduction of smart gates at airports is seen as a strategic step towards modernization and efficiency in airport operations. With Flydubai recently adding Islamabad and Lahore to its list of destinations, the partnership between the UAE and Pakistan is expected to further strengthen, fostering smoother travel experiences for passengers traveling between the two countries. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting initiative to transform the travel experience in Pakistan.
