The first automated border control systems (eGates) have been declared operational at Keflavik Airport. The first control unit, equipped with six gates for passengers to pass through was opened on June 9. The first traveller to use the new system arrived from France and was travelling on to North America.
The airport (IATA: KEF) says is experiencing a steady growth in passenger numbers, and is frequently used as a hub for intercontinental flights between Europe and North America. The departures and arrivals zones at the Leif-Eriksson Terminal are currently being renovated to accommodate this growing passenger volume going forward. At the same time, modern, automated border control systems (eGates) are being installed to make the control process more convenient for travellers, to reduce transfer times and to speed up arrivals and departures.
Back in February, secunet in Germany won a bid to provide 12 easygate control gates, six each for the departures and arrivals zones. A test system was installed this April prior to the first unit being declared operational earlier this month. The new system also includes the associated monitoring stations for the border control officers and a central management and statistics facility. Besides supplying the easygate products, secunet is also responsible for installation and commissioning, training the operator’s border control and technical personnel and providing on-site support for the installation during the first weeks of operation.