Cluj-Napoca's Avram Iancu International Airport has deployed a modern Automated Border Control (ABC) Gates system designed to increase passenger processing capacity, streamline passenger flows and improve operational efficiency while maintaining high security standards, the Cluj County Council (CJ Cluj) announced.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday, the investment project, worth RON 12,084,739 excluding VAT, involved the installation of 12 automated border control gates supplied by SITA. Six ABC gates were installed in the Departures Terminal for EU passengers travelling to non-Schengen destinations, while six were installed in the Arrivals Terminal for EU passengers arriving from non-Schengen countries.

The system uses advanced biometric verification technologies and secure electronic travel document reading, allowing eligible passengers to undergo automated identity checks under the supervision of Border Police personnel.

According to the county council, the main benefits of the investment include increased passenger processing capacity, reduced congestion and an improved travel experience. Under the operational configuration, a single Border Police operator can monitor a group of six gates simultaneously.

In the Arrivals Terminal, the automated gates are expected to improve the use of available space and facilitate the management of passenger flows arriving from non-Schengen countries, serving as an interim solution until the terminal expansion project is completed. The integrated technologies, including biometric verification and security mechanisms, are also expected to strengthen border control, while intuitive interfaces and guidance systems help passengers complete formalities more easily.

Another system recently implemented at the airport is the Category III Instrument Landing System (ILS CAT III).

According to the statement, the ILS CAT III is the most advanced landing guidance system currently available in civil aviation for operations in low-visibility conditions and is already operational at Cluj International Airport. The project is described as a strategic infrastructure investment that places the airport among European air hubs with the highest operational capacity during periods of dense fog.

The county council noted that, given the region's frequent episodes of dense fog during the cold season, the operationalisation of the ILS CAT III system is expected - depending on airline policies, aircraft type and pilot certifications - to significantly reduce flight cancellations, diversions to alternative airports, delays, economic losses for airlines and disruptions affecting passenger satisfaction.

According to CJ Cluj, the investment will generate significant operational benefits for both passengers and airlines.

The project was implemented following the signing of a financing contract between Avram Iancu International Airport Cluj and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.

The total value of the financing contract for the project 'Ensuring CAT III Operating Conditions on Runway 07-25' amounted to RON 8,500,354.66, of which the European Union co-financing contribution was RON 3,035,847.73. The project was co-financed from the European Regional Development Fund through the 2014-2020 Large Infrastructure Operational Programme.

Quoted in the statement, CJ Cluj president Alin Tise said the airport was witnessing the operational launch of two of the most important projects in its history. He expressed confidence that the airport's continued development would bring significant benefits to the wider community and increase the county's visibility on the European map. He added that the Cluj County Council would continue to support the airport's modernization and development in order to strengthen its role as Transylvania's main air gateway and a driver of regional economic growth. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Marius Septimiu Avram; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)