London City Airport has become the latest international airport, and second in the UK, to be awarded with certification from the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Health Accreditation programme.
The programme, which was introduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, recognises airports across the world that deploy world leading health and safety practices.
Before re-opening on June 23rd, London City carried out a root and branch review of airport operations, for both passengers and staff, to ensure it was COVID secure. Measures introduced included:
- An enhanced cleaning regime, including a long-life anti-microbial surface treatment used throughout the airport
- Touch-free hand sanitiser stations
- One-way systems
- Perspex screens at key points of interaction, such as check-in desks
- Clear signage and floor markings to help maintain social distancing and to guide passengers through the airport
- Advanced crowd monitoring technology to identify and manage busy areas, using CrowdVision
- Non-contact, automatic temperature checking technology for rapid preliminary screening
- Staff using face coverings and or visors and gloves
Alison FitzGerald, Chief Operating Officer said:
“This is a significant achievement for the airport and recognition of our unwavering commitment to keeping our airport COVID secure and to deliver a clean airport environment. I hope this award, alongside our continued focus on delivering safe, careful and speedy journeys, will give passengers more confidence to travel and to choose London City Airport when they do so.
“Looking ahead, we stand ready to do more at the airport. Testing is critical to not only reducing the current 14-day quarantine and getting Britain flying again, but giving passengers greater peace of mind. And, as soon as we receive the green light from Government, we are ready to implement a testing regime on site.”
About ACI’s Airport Health Accreditation Programme:
The ACI Airport Health Accreditation (AHA) programme assists airports by assessing new health measures and procedures introduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with ICAO Council Aviation Restart Task Force recommendations, and in alignment with the joint EASA and ECDC Aviation Health Safety Protocol and ACI EUROPE’s Guidelines for a Healthy Passenger Experience at Airports.
