Abu Dhabi : Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport is set to revolutionize passenger screening by implementing the world’s first fully biometric boarding process by 2025. This innovative approach, part of the “Smart Travel Project,” will replace traditional registration methods with advanced biometric technology, streamlining security and customs procedures by eliminating the need for paperwork.
Abu Dhabi Airports has partnered with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security to introduce cutting-edge biometric sensors across all ID checkpoints within the airport. These sensors, first introduced in the airport’s new terminal in November 2023, are expected to transform the air travel experience by enhancing security and efficiency.
Elena Sorlini, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, highlighted the significance of this development in a June press release celebrating the one-millionth passenger processed using biometric sensors. She stated, “The initial rollout of cutting-edge biometrics at Zayed International Airport underscores our dedication to enhancing airport experiences through innovation and technology, ensuring efficiency, convenience, and superior service.
Once fully implemented, Abu Dhabi will pioneer as the world’s first airport with biometrics integrated at every stage, ensuring travelers enjoy a seamless, safe, and secure journey.”
The biometric technology, developed by UAE-based tech company IDEMIA, will require passengers to use at least three sensors during their journey: one for registering their likeness, another for check-in, and a final one before boarding the plane. This technology is designed to enhance security and improve the overall customer experience.
IDEMIA’s “Single Token Journey” (STJ) solution, central to this initiative, assigns a unique identifier to each traveler. A facial scan at the beginning of the journey will be stored for use throughout the boarding process and on future flights. IDEMIA claims this system will reduce the average boarding time to just 12 minutes.
While Abu Dhabi is pioneering this technology, there is some debate over its potential impact. A report by the U.S. Travel Association raised concerns that biometric facial sensors could extend boarding times, particularly for new travelers registering on-site.
As the world watches this technological leap, questions remain about the broader implications of biometric face-scanning in airports. Will this new technology truly make air travel more efficient, or could it introduce new challenges? The coming years will reveal whether this innovation becomes a global standard or remains an experiment confined to a few pioneering airports.
