Thermal screening technology is being trialled at Heathrow Terminal 2’s immigration hall to detect elevated temperatures of passengers arriving into the UK.
The technology under trial uses camera detection systems capable of monitoring the temperatures of multiple people moving through the airport.
Passengers will be alerted to the trials through signage placed at the immigration hall, but will otherwise see no visible change to their arrivals journey as no other screening methods will be needed.
If successful, the equipment is expected to be rolled out across the airport into departures, connections and other areas to further stress test its capabilities.
Temperature screening is part of a wider set of processes and technology set to be trialled at Heathrow that are looking at how the risk of contracting or transmitting COVID-19 while travelling can be reduced.
- Face coverings are being handed to any arriving and departing passengers who do not have their own.
- Over 600 hand sanitiser stations have been installed around the airport.
- There is now an enhanced cleaning regime throughout the airport.
- More signs featuring government health advice, perspex barriers for frontline contact points and social distancing reminders have been installed.
Heathrow will also explore the use of UV sanitation to quickly and efficiently sanitise security trays and contact-free security screening equipment to reduce person-to-person contact.
The launch of the trials comes as the UK Government considers the implementation of “air bridges” across destinations with low COVID-19 risk, to protect public health while enabling the travel of goods and services that is needed to kick-start the economy.
Current expert advice suggests that temperature checks at UK airports are not required, however, it is hoped learnings from this trial will help governments introduce the policy framework leading to a global Common International Standard for health screening.
Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said: “We welcome the Secretary of State for Transport’s ‘air bridge’ proposals to allow trade to continue between destinations with low COVID-19 risks.
“To unlock the full benefits of aviation for the economy, a Common International Standard for health screening must be agreed by the global authorities – and the technology we are trialling now could be a part of this solution.As one of the world’s great trading nations, the UK should take a lead in setting a global plan to reopen borders, when it is safe to do so.
“This will help protect millions of British jobs that rely on aviation, but are currently at risk.”
