28 Jul Sharjah Airport bolsters expansion with IP security camera upgrade
Sharjah Airport recently upgraded its security with a range of new IP camera from Axis. The move forms part of the airport’s $408 million expansion which includes a new passenger building able to hold up to 27 million travellers
Sharjah International Airport (SIA) was established in 1932 and was the first airport in the United Arab Emirates. SIA was looking for a flexible, scalable security solution that could keep pace with its growing operations while maintaining the highest level of security and safety that staff and the traveling passengers expect from one of the busiest travel destinations in the world.
Axis was recommended by Zahra Technology to meet the specific requirements of SIA. The installation company said the Axis cameras were chosen because of their ability to integrate with the VMS and access control, as well as their high-quality images, robust design and low environmental impact.
The airport installed the following network cameras: fixed outdoor AXIS P1357-E, fixed indoor AXIS P3367-V, PTZ outdoor AXIS Q6055-E, AXIS P1365 Mk II for entrances and outdoor bullet AXIS P1427-LE with infrared capabilities. The surveillance feed is monitored by the government security entity.
The IP-based system makes it easy for the government security entity to monitor multiple feeds at once and keep watch over the entire airport, indoors and out. The airport can use its resources more effectively, and it has greater control over video and who can access it. The systems have enhanced security, increased operational efficiency and support scalability as the airport continues to grow.
“Axis products meet the requirements of Sharjah International Airport. As an airport, we consider ourselves a gateway into the United Arab Emirates and it is very important to secure the gateway for the passengers, staff and the country. Having a trustworthy surveillance system in place provides ease of functioning for the airport and all involved services. Axis delivers on that commitment and we are very happy to be associated with the products and solutions, and look forward to continue working with them to further make Sharjah International Airport a secure destination.”
Sharjah International Airport (SIA) as a distinguished point on the world aviation map goes back to 1932 when Imperial Airways – the forerunners of British Airways – constructed an airfield as a stopover en-route to India and Australia. At that time, SIA ranked as one of its most remote outposts as well as being the first airport in the country. SIA is centrally located in the UAE, 10 minutes’ drive from Sharjah’s bustling city centre, just 20 minutes ‘drive from nearby Emirates and within easy reach of the Northern Emirates.
Located between Khor Fakkan Port in the East, the Sharjah’s Indian Ocean coast and Hamriyah Port on the West, on the Arabian Gulf, SIA is one of the region’s busiest logistics gateway for both domestic and international airfreight. While SIA is a well-known airport for short-haul travel within the GCC, it is also a busy hub serving the Indian
Subcontinent, the Levant, North Africa, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and beyond. The airport is also the foundation of Sharjah’s inter- modal cargo sector.
Passenger traffic
SIA has seen a significant growth since its inception in 1932. The airport’s current annual passenger capacity is eight million, however, it handled traffic of over 11 million passengers in 2016. SIA has consistently worked with a government security entity to maintain high levels of security within the airport, the tarmac and within the internal perimeter which includes the parking, administration building, scrap yard, airport transport.
As SIA has grown, so has the demand and requirement for the security installation. SIA is considered a highly secured facility using Axis cameras at external areas such as short and long term parking, passenger drop-off areas in front of the airport, SIA administration building, internal airport building, baggage handling and belts, check- in counters, duty free, departure and arrival areas, passport control, smart gates, airport vehicles and park- ing, plane docking stations and tarmac. The installations ensure a smooth management of the aircrafts, vehicles and people by the proper authorities.