by ellysharples 
Air travel moves quickly these days, and airport e-gates have become one of the essentials that keep everything running smoothly. As more people take to the skies each year, passenger numbers are rising by around 4.5% annually, airports are under growing pressure to find smarter ways to manage the flow of travellers seamlessly without compromising on safety.
That’s where Gunnebo Entrance Control comes in. With decades of experience and over 5000 gates installed in airports across the world, they’ve really shaped how airports guide passengers from the entrance all the way to the gate.
Whether you run an airport, work in security, or you would like to understand the importance of the automated gates you breeze through on your travels, this blog breaks down how these systems work, what makes them unique, and how they’re already being used in real airports around the world.
The Need for Advanced Airport Security Gates
Airports are complex environments where security, efficiency and passenger experience must align perfectly. Traditional manual checks often create bottlenecks, lengthy queues and higher staffing costs. Automated airport security gates mitigate these challenges by using biometrics, such as facial recognition and connecting to airport operational databases (AODB) for real time data validation. Gunnebo Entrance Control’s gates adhere to International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines and feature modular designs for easy installation and aesthetic customisation to suit any terminal design.
These gates not only strengthen security but also deliver valuable insights, including passenger behaviour patterns and peak time traffic data. This data driven approach helps airports increase throughput, reduce waiting times and increase shopping opportunities. By allowing passengers to self-scan at the gates, this gives staff time to focus on exceptions or customer assistance, resulting in a more pleasant travel experience and better flow within airports.
AFL E-Gates – Pre-security, Boarding, Terminal & Lounge Access
The AFL range is used in placements such as Pre-security, Boarding, Terminal & Lounge Access. Products in the range are AFL 3.6, AFL Compact and AFL Ultra Compact. They offer space efficient designs with superior detection capabilities, making them ideal for hightraffic zones like boarding areas or terminal transitions.
AFL 3.6
The most advanced e-gate, for pre-security, boarding & terminal access. With high detection capabilities and enhanced sensors for single person detection.
AFL Compact
Space saving e-gate in a compact design for pre-security, boarding & terminal access. Available with an integrated overhead arch and Gunnebo Visira Omni camera for advanced detection capabilities including 2 persons walking side by side.
AFL Ultra Compact
Our smallest e-gate in an ultra compact footprint, for pre-security, boarding & terminal access. Effective single person detection with basic fraud detection capabilities.
How AFL gates work
Passengers approach the gate and present their boarding pass or simply walk through with biometric scanning. The system validates against the airline’s database instantly, granting access if all details match. Sensors ensure single person passage, preventing tailgating or unauthorised entry. In biometric mode, a camera captures the facial image, cross references it with pre-enrolled data and opens the gate.
Benefits for Airports and Passengers
- Increased Throughput: AFL gates process up to 30 passengers per minute, minimising boarding delays and bottlenecks.
- Enhanced Security: Automation reduces human error and advanced detection means less fraudulent attempts and fewer false alarms.
- Cost Efficiency: Fewer staff are required at checkpoints, lowering operational costs while optimising resources.
- Superior Passenger Experience: Hands free operation reduces hassle, shortens queues and streamlines journeys.
ImmSec: Automated Immigration and Border Control
ImmSec, is Gunnebo Entrance Control’s solution for border control points. This interlock system is engineered for validating traveller identities in high security settings, such as international arrivals or departures.
Benefits for Airports and Passengers
- Document Readers: Supports Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs), RFID passports, and smart ID cards.
- Biometric Capture: Integrates facial recognition or other biometrics for precise identification.
- Single Passage Detection: Advanced sensors prevent multiple entries per authorisation.
- Faster Processing: Reduces immigration wait times significantly, managing high volumes during peak periods.
How ImmSec Works
Passengers approach and scan their passport. The first gate opens, admitting them to an interlock area where biometrics are captured and validated against government databases. Upon clearance, the second gate opens for passage. The process is fully automated, with data logged for immigration records. Anomalies trigger staff alerts without disrupting overall flow.
PasSec: Preventing Unauthorised Re-Entry at Arrivals
PasSec is Gunnebo Entrance Control’s anti-return gate designed for airside to landside transitions, such as arrivals halls. It enforces one way flow, preventing passengers from returning to secure areas after clearance.
Benefits for Airports and Passengers
- Advanced Detection Technology: Detects direction, presence, abandoned items and thrown objects.
- Fully Automatic Operation: No user interaction needed, gates open automatically for authorised directions.
- Interlocking Design: Single or double door modules for enhanced security.
- Improved Efficiency: Enables rapid egress for arriving passengers, reducing congestion.
How PasSec Works
As passengers move from airside (secure) to landside (public) areas, sensors detect their direction and permit passage. Any reverse attempt or abandoned item triggers alarms and locks the gate. This automated system requires no scanning, suiting high-volume arrivals perfectly.
The Future of Airport Security with Gunnebo Entrance Control
The AFL range, along with ImmSec and PasSec, represent some of the most advanced airport security gates available today. They bring together smart technology, dependable performance and designs that genuinely focus on creating a seamless passenger experience. Gunnebo Entrance Control has been leading the way in airports around the world, especially when it comes to compact solutions and continuous innovation.
If you’re exploring options for airport security, visit Gunnebo Entrance Control, or arrange a demonstration to see the solutions in action. With these solutions, the future of travelling through airports isn’t just safer, but seamless too.