Every airport must ensure passengers only enter the airside through security screening. At the same time, airports have multiple exits for both passengers and staff that move people from airside to landside. These access points must not be used to re-enter the secure zone from the outside.
If this security is breached, the entire terminal may need to be evacuated before operations can restart. That leads to major delays, financial losses, and significant inconvenience for passengers.
Traditionally, airports assigned guards at each exit door — across multiple shifts — which is extremely expensive and inefficient.
Visionary Security Transformation At Canberra Airport
Canberra Airport, Australia’s international gateway to the nation’s capital, took a bold step 14 years ago by replacing physical guards with an anti-pass-back system from iOmniscient.
The system enforces one-way movement from airside to landside. If a person attempts to move in the wrong direction — from landside to airside — the doors automatically shut. It also detects and prevents objects, such as weapons, from being thrown through the doors to someone on the secure side.
This type of system must perform with 100% accuracy. Even a single failure could disrupt airport operations and create severe security risks.
By automating this process, Canberra Airport dramatically improved efficiency while strengthening protection at critical exit points.
Improving Productivity And Reducing Costs
By removing the need for guards positioned at every doorway, security staff were freed from repetitive duties.
Instead of standing at doors, officers now:
- Patrol the premises more effectively
- Respond to incidents faster
- Assist passengers when needed
Michael Thomson, Head of Aviation at Canberra Airport, stated:
“This was one of our earliest uses of technology to improve productivity at the airport. The return on investment was immediate. Its cost was recovered quickly and we have obtained significant operational and security benefits since installation. The iOmniscient software continues to operate as though it was brand new.”
Canberra Airport continues to adopt advanced technologies to improve both customer experience and operational control.
Ensuring Your System Is Ageless
AI technology evolves rapidly. Systems installed today can become obsolete within a few years. However, an iOmniscient system is designed to stay current — permanently.
The company’s Gold Support program ensures that software never becomes outdated. Regular updates and upgrades, released several times each year, incorporate new capabilities and improved functionality.
Even in situations where customers prefer to retain an older version of the system, the program ensures that the software can still be reinstalled and supported on modern hardware — even when legacy installation methods (like floppy disks or CDs) are no longer available.
Many iOmniscient customers have operated their systems continuously for decades. Over time, cameras and computers have been replaced. But the software has continued to perform as if it were newly installed.
Guaranteed Support Response Times
When support is required, customers are guaranteed:
- 8-hour response time under Gold Support
- 4-hour response time under Platinum Support (for mission-critical environments)
This support is available anywhere in the world, at any time of day, every day of the year.
With engineers across all major time zones, even if it’s midnight on a holiday, a specialist is available to respond and resolve the issue quickly.
Rapid Escalation For Critical Issues
If a problem is classified as mission-critical, escalation is immediate:
- Active work continues across four global engineering teams
- After 8 hours, the Worldwide Engineering Manager is involved
- After 16 hours, the escalation reaches the CEO
This structure ensures that critical issues are treated with the highest priority.
The company’s leadership is not driven by growth targets. Their success is measured by customer satisfaction. The philosophy is simple — when customers are happy, growth follows naturally.
iOmniscient is a global provider of AI video analytics and security management solutions. The company specialises in delivering intelligent, automated security systems for critical infrastructure, including airports, government facilities, transportation hubs, and cities worldwide. Its technologies are used by customers who demand high accuracy, long-term reliability, and guaranteed performance. https://iomni.ai
https://www.security.world/ai-enhancing-airport-perimeter-security/
https://www.iomniscient.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is controlling airside and landside movement so critical?
A single breach can lead to terminal evacuations, flight delays, and severe security risks.
How does the anti-pass-back system work?
It enforces one-way travel and automatically shuts doors if someone attempts to move in the wrong direction.
Does the system also prevent objects from being passed through?
Yes. It detects and prevents objects being thrown to someone on the airside, reducing weapon and threat risks.
What is the benefit of the Gold Support program?
It ensures the software never becomes obsolete and can adapt to modern hardware and installation methods.
Is global technical support really available 24/7?
Yes. Engineers across all major time zones provide guaranteed support response times.