Emirates Prepares to Launch World's First Biometric Path at Dubai Airport

Image: Emirates Airbus A380 airplane. (photo via Boarding1Now / iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus)
Image: Emirates Airbus A380 airplane. (photo via Boarding1Now / iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 2:09 PM ET, Mon October 29, 2018

As the travel industry continues focusing on security, Emirates is changing the game as it prepares to launch the world's first biometric path to create a seamless journey through Dubai International Airport.

Through the usage of biometric technology like facial and iris recognition, Emirates is giving travelers the chance to check in for their flight, complete immigration formalities, enter the Emirates Lounge and board their flights by just walking through the facility.

Biometric equipment has already been installed at Terminal 3 and can be found at select check-in counters and gates, as well as the Emirates Lounge in Concourse B for premium passengers.

"Guided by our chairman His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Emirates continuously innovates and strives to improve our day-to-day business," Emirates COO Adel Al Redha said in a statement. "After extensive research and evaluation of numerous technologies and new approaches to enhance our passenger journey, we are now satisfied with the preliminary work we have carried out and are ready to commence live trials of the world's first biometric path at Emirates Terminal 3."

Airline officials have also started trials for the Smart Tunnel project, which would allow travelers to walk through a tunnel that helps immigration authorities clear them without having to physically stamp a passport.

Once all of the internal tests are completed, Emirates plans to launch the biometric processing at all key customer points throughout the airport. Officials hope the new security measures improve customer experience and flow through the facility.


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