Biometrics are coming for you

As if the world didn’t have enough to worry about with dire predictions of AI destroying the human race within the next decade or more, air travellers are now faced with an industry that wants their biometric data in their systems. Organisations from ICAO to IATA to SITA and others are loudly touting a future of “faster, more seamless airport journeys following renewed commitments by governments and industry at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to accelerate the shift to digital identity and contact-free border processing”. ICAO’s 21st TRIP Symposium, which recently concluded, brought together over 600 government officials and industry leaders representing 70 countries and seven international organisations. Countries are moving forward with national programs using multimodal biometrics, automated gates, and even contactless and digitally enabled travel for their residents. Automation is now shifting officers away from manual checks toward more oversight and risk-based decision-making. Crucially, ICAO said, states recognise that alignment with ICAO specifications and standards will enable the industry to respond to the challenges of accelerating the global roll out. Participants emphasised that interoperability remains the key enabler of seamless travel. While technologies and operational models may differ, alignment with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), technical specifications and guidance material is essential to ensuring global trust, recognition and cross-border compatibility. “We must ensure that travel becomes smarter, more inclusive, and seamless, without compromising security or convenience,” said ICAO Council President Toshiyuki Onuma. “By doing so, we will sustain the international trust that underpins the development of air transport worldwide.” All participants agreed that securing every link in the traveler identity chain—from civil registration and document issuance to border control and digital access—remains essential to both trust and performance. Trust between travellers, agencies, and across borders was repeatedly emphasised by delegates as the foundation for a successful, seamless global travel environment. But can travellers really trust any government? In Europe, a new travel industry coalition has called for new rules when it comes to biometrics. ACI EUROPE, Amadeus, IATA, IDEMIA Public Security and SITA announced the formation of the Responsible Biometrics Travel Industry Coalition, calling on EU policymakers to ensure the Digital Omnibus actively supports the voluntary and secure use of biometrics in travel while protecting passenger choice and privacy. The coalition claims it is seeking a balanced regulatory approach that enables a more efficient and convenient experience for air travelers and maintains strong safeguards around the responsible use of biometric technologies. Biometrics make travel more seamless (what is seamless travel anyway?) for passengers and deliver significant operational benefits for airports and airlines, the group claims. By reducing repeated manual document checks, biometric verification increases throughput, improves passenger flows and helps airports use existing terminal infrastructure more efficiently. It also helps airports better manage peak periods and traffic growth, allowing staff to focus on passengers who need assistance or additional attention. Combined, these benefits boost Europe’s competitiveness by promoting efficient, well-connected airports and innovation across the travel and technology sectors. A clear regulatory framework can encourage continued investment and enable European technology companies to innovate and scale trusted solutions in their home market. To unlock the full potential of biometrics in European air travel, the coalition calls for the Digital Omnibus to adopt technology-neutral rules that allow the voluntary use of biometric data (where appropriate safeguards are in place) and offer passengers non-biometric alternatives. The coalition claims it firmly believes the benefits of biometrics should go hand in hand with strong protections for passenger privacy and passengers’ ability to choose whether to share or request to delete their data at any time. The use of biometric solutions should be voluntary, secure and limited to a defined journey. Good luck with that. Some governments will mandate its use. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]