Birmingham Airport uses sensors to measure immigration wait times

Helps opeartions and reduces passenger frustration

Passengers arriving at Birmingham Airport can now get real time information about how long they will have to spend in the immigration queue at the airport.

The airport has introduced new technology that uses sensors to accurately measure queues and predict wait times.

It is used at the north immigration hall to measure and predict the wait time at the UK Border. The airport hopes that by sharing the information on screens it will reduce passenger frustration by creating realistic wait time expectations.

The solution works by placing dedicated Bluetooth/WiFi sensors. The sensors detect mobiles devices, such as smartphones and tablets.

By identifying the devices at multiple sensors, specific and accurate statistical information,
such as travel times, dwell times and movement patterns become available, without interaction from the passengers.

The airport uses, among other things, the data from the sensors to monitor line density in real-time, which allows management to respond promptly and effectively to irregular operations and disruptions, such as opening additional lines.

In addition, the live wait time information is shared with passengers on screens, to improve the passenger experience, with hopefully more satisfied and recurring passengers as a result.

The system is called BlipTrack and comes from Danish company, BLIP.

About BLIP Systems:

BLIP Systems is a privately-held information technology company with headquarters in Aalborg, Denmark.

BlipTrack is used in many international airports.

N.B. Image credit: BlipTrack

Internet links

Birmingham Airport (BHX)

BLIP Systems