Airport trips could very soon see us encountering cleaning robots, temperature checks and antimicrobial coatings. Decontamination technologies at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) give a glimpse into what international airport methods might look like, once we’re able to travel again.

HKIA is the first airport in the world to live test the CLeanTech, full-body disinfection booth. Those passing through undertake a temperature check before entering a small booth for the 40-second disinfection and sanitizing process. The inside of the booth contains an antimicrobial coating that remotely can kill any viruses or bacteria found on clothing, as well as on the body. Sanitizing spray for “instant disinfection” is also finely showered on the traveller in the booth.

At the moment, CLeanTech is being used only on staff in charge of quarantine duties for passenger arrivals. Nevertheless, the fact that it’s on trial at one of the world’s busiest airports is possibly indicative of plans to use facilities like this more widely in the near future.

CLeanTech is, however, not flawless. While this system disinfects a person’s clothes and skin, it’s probably not as effective in detecting those already infected with coronavirus, and who are asymptomatic.

Meanwhile, along with CLeanTech, the airport authority is also testing antimicrobial coating applied at all passenger facilities at HKIA, including all handles and seats, smart check-in kiosks and check-in counters, baggage trolleys and elevator buttons.

Along with this, cleaning robots are being used to continuously disinfect public areas at the airport. And passengers still have to wear masks.

The trial, which will decide whether these measures are to be implemented permanently, should be complete this May.

Umm Muhammed Umar