Lanseria International Airport has recently made headlines by launching South Africa's first "Tap and Fly" automated boarding gate system, marking a significant advancement in domestic air travel technology.

Officially unveiled on November 30, 2024, the new system aims to enhance passenger convenience and streamline the boarding process, which was significant especially during the busy festive season.

The "Tap and Fly" system means that passengers can scan their boarding passes or QR codes at automated gates, significantly reducing boarding times.

This initiative is part of Lanseria's broader strategy to become Africa’s leading SMART airport. When speaking at the official launch, Rampa Rammopo, CEO of Lanseria International Airport, emphasised that this launch aligns with their commitment to providing exceptional convenience and a seamless travel experience for passengers.

Most importantly, Rammopo also emphasised that the new system will not lead to job losses. Despite the automation, airport staff will remain available to assist with luggage check-in, ID verification, and other queries, ensuring that personalized customer service is not compromised.

The airport plans to integrate more enhancements in future, including biometric technology for secure international travel and self-service bag-drop systems, further modernising the travel experience.

The "Tap and Fly" system at Lanseria is part of a growing trend among airports worldwide. Some international airports that have implemented comparable systems include Heathrow Airport (London, UK), Singapore Changi Airport and Hong Kong International Airport.

The system has been is use since launch and to ensure a smooth transition, Lanseria has rolled out comprehensive information on its website and in-terminal screens where travellers can learn how the gates work, their benefits, and how they contribute to a smoother travel experience.

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Lanseria International Airport modernises domestic air travel in South Africa