Heathrow Airport in London, the UK, has rolled out a number of additional measures in a bid to minimise the risk of contracting or transmitting Covid-19 at the airport as travel resumes in the UK post-lockdown.
The airport has adopted a range of technologies, including cleaning robots that use UV rays to kill viruses and bacteria at night.
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To facilitate continuous disinfection, UV handrail technology is being installed to escalators.
Furthermore, self-cleaning anti-viral wraps are being fitted to security trays, lift buttons, trollies and door handles.
Heathrow has deployed 100 hygiene technicians to thoroughly disinfect the airport and answer passenger queries on the methods being used.
In addition, the airport is also rolling out Fly Safe Pit Stops, points where passengers can pick up face masks, anti-viral wipes, and hand sanitiser free of charge.
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By GlobalDataThe airport said that it is also reviewing technologies that will enable passengers to control the kiosks from their phones during self-service check-in.
These additional measures are being rolled out by Heathrow as the UK permits travel between low-risk countries without the need to quarantine on return.
Heathrow CEO John Kaye said: “We have reviewed the entire Heathrow Airport experience to ensure that our passengers and colleagues are kept safe as travel resumes to ‘Green’ and ‘Amber’ countries. Now we need government to safely restore Britain’s long-haul connections as the country prepares for life outside the EU, with Common International Standards for Covid testing from ‘Red’ countries.”
Previously, the airport implemented several measures, including the introduction of Perspex barriers in security areas and in some retailers, contact-free security screening equipment, and compulsory face coverings at the airport to ensure passenger safety.
In May, the airport started trialling thermal screening technology to check the temperatures of arriving passengers.
