More than 850,000 passengers have passed through the smart gates of the Sharjah International Airport, during the period from October 2016 through June 2017, according to the Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA), a report said.

There is a total of 16 smart gates at the airport's department and arrival terminals, through which the travellers can get through passport control within 20 seconds, which reflects the sophisticated and seamless services provided by SAA as part of its continued efforts to contribute to the development of the aviation sector in the UAE, reported Wam, the Emirates official news agency.

The gates use a highly efficient, quick and accurate system that read and scan passport information, capturing biometric data using a high-accuracy camera and comparing the information given, with the passenger details saved in the system. Since they were initially introduced nine months ago, the gates have helped speed up the procedures, cut waiting time and reduce congestion.

Commenting on the seamless services, Ali Salim Al Midfa, SAA shairman, said: "The smart gates have proven to reduce the passenger rush during peak hours, ensuring a smooth travel experience. Passengers are now able to complete passport control within 20 seconds. This facility is part of the airport’s strategy which focuses on making travel easier for all passengers by providing the best internationally recognized services.”

The launch of the smart gates is part of a series of development projects carried out by the airport to address the increasing growth in the number of passengers which comes as a result of the growing tourist flows and business activities in the Emirate of Sharjah.