Here Comes the World’s First Biometric Boarding Process

by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 2:10 PM ET, Thu August 22, 2024

High-tech passenger screening at airports is about to take a giant leap forward - at least at one airport.

Abu Dhabi Airports has just announced that it is partnering with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security to introduce a biometric technology that it is has dubbed the "Smart Travel project" at Zayed International Airport.

Translation: Biometric sensors are being rolled at at every airport identification checkpoint at Zayed International Airport. They will be in place by 2025.

Installation of the new technology will take place in three phases and once in place will rely upon the databases of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security to automatically authenticate travelers using biometric technology. This process will eliminate the need for prior registration for departing passengers.

“Through the implementation of this project, Abu Dhabi Airports aims to uphold the highest aviation security and safety protocols within the airport, improve traveller experience and streamline the travel process for passengers,” the airport authority said in a statement.

Some Biometric Systems Already in Place

Back in 2023, as part of the opening of a a new terminal, Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Airways implemented use of biometric systems across multiple areas in the airport. That included an automated traveler registration service, a self-service baggage delivery area, and facial recognition verification at e-gates and boarding gates (which eliminated the need for travel documents or even interacting with airport staff.)

Now, Abu Dhabi Airports is implementing another phase of these efforts. It has begun introducing biometric systems for five more airlines at check-in, boarding gates and even the installation of new e-gates in specific transit areas in order to register travelers’ biometric data and transition them to the facial recognition process.

Future biometric security expansion plans include the Etihad Airways lounge and duty-free retail outlets.

Andrew Murphy, Chief Information Officer at Zayed International Airport, called the airport’s integration of biometric technology “a groundbreaking project.”

“We are dedicated to enhancing the traveler experience by providing efficient and seamless services through advanced biometric systems,” said Murphy. “By 2025, we aim to expand these systems across all security and operations touchpoints and other airlines.”

In the United States, there has been a great deal of debate about the implementation of biometric technology. Earlier this year, Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Kennedy (R-LA) proposed a controversial amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill that would hinder the use of biometric technology.

Critics of the proposed amendment say it could result in travelers waiting an additional cumulative 120 million hours in TSA checkpoint lines each year by significantly slowing both PreCheck and standard screening lanes. The amendment includes a proposal to eliminate facial recognition.