Airport Group Deploys AI-Driven Passenger Flow Monitoring to Optimise Operations

How a EU airport enhanced passengers experience and operational efficiency through advanced AI and data analytics.

Managing airport infrastructure is becoming increasingly complex. With rising passenger volumes and heightened expectations, airport operators need smarter tools to anticipate congestion, optimise service delivery, and ensure a seamless experience from entrance to boarding gate.

Uniquon partnered with a major airport operator to implement a predictive solution capable of monitoring, analysing, and managing passenger flows in real time — helping the client maximise existing infrastructure and deliver a safer, more efficient experience across terminals.

The Challenge: Prevent Bottlenecks and Optimise Every Step of the Passenger Journey

Even under normal conditions — without strikes, delays or cancellations — airports often struggle to manage large volumes of travellers efficiently. A delayed flight or unexpected disruption can create a ripple effect across check-in areas, security lanes, lounges, and transport hubs.

The client's objective was to gain full visibility over passenger flow, from the entrance to the boarding gates, and identify bottlenecks at key moments: check-in, security screening, waiting for taxis, or navigating through the terminal. Crucially, the solution needed to respect strict privacy standards while leveraging existing biometric and video surveillance infrastructure.

The Solution: AI and Computer Vision for Real-Time Flow Management

Working in close collaboration with the client, Uniquon implemented a modular, AI-powered solution using machine learning, computer vision, and biometric data.

This advanced system was designed to:

• Predict and prevent congestion in real time

• Track dwell times and queue lengths

• Improve security oversight and crowd control

• Respect GDPR and all privacy regulations by design

The implementation involved structuring and cleaning data from existing CCTV and biometric systems, then layering AI algorithms for scene recognition, re-identification, and queue prediction.

A fully functioning prototype was validated directly in the terminal environment. Throughout the project, Uniquon provided a dedicated multidisciplinary team — computer vision engineers, data scientists, and software developers — to support co-design, deployment, and continuous improvement.

Results: Less Waiting, Greater Control, Better Service

By deploying Uniquon's technology, the airport group was able to:

• Reduce queue lengths by 50%

• Cut average waiting time in queues by 50%

• Speed up check-in processing by 20%

The system also enabled the client to identify new non-aeronautical revenue opportunities by analysing passenger behaviour and purchase patterns — paving the way for future data-driven initiatives.

As part of the rollout, Uniquon also delivered:

• Assistance with deployment and integration

• Ongoing support and maintenance

• Enriched datasets through custom libraries and software

• Training for client teams to ensure full autonomy

The project was recognised as a national innovation case study and received full funding from the Italian Ministry of Economic Development.

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