Major Russian airports are preparing to implement artificial intelligence in their security protocols, utilizing technology crafted by Ntechlab, a leading facial recognition firm in Russia that is currently facing Western sanctions, as reported by RTVI on Monday.

The innovative system is designed to analyze surveillance footage in real-time to identify potential security risks. One feature highlighted by the company is its ability to recognize when a passenger inadvertently wanders onto the airport tarmac outside of permitted areas.

Additionally, the system employs neural networks to spot passengers trying to evade security checks or gain access to restricted zones. It also monitors incorrectly parked service vehicles and tracks unauthorized personnel on airport thoroughfares.

“Our product boasts a wide range of functionalities, with a primary focus on transportation security,” stated Ntechlab CEO Alexei Palamarchuk in an interview with RTVI. “Artificial intelligence can also assist in tracking crowd levels in terminals, which will be particularly advantageous during busy periods or peak travel seasons.”

Ntechlab confirmed that the AI system has undergone successful trials at one of Moscow’s four airports, although the specific location was not disclosed. The company expressed intentions to expand the technology to other regions in Russia but did not specify a timeline or particular airports.

Ntechlab is currently under U.S. and EU sanctions due to allegations of facilitating mass surveillance and human rights abuses with its facial recognition technologies, which have been employed by Russian government entities.

This announcement follows a week after Ukrainian drone strikes led to significant disruptions for flights across the country, with hundreds of cancellations and delays, and an estimated loss for airlines reaching 20 billion rubles (approximately $250 million).