Perhaps as early as next year, passengers at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport won’t have to show their boarding tickets to board an aircraft.
Soon, passengers at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi might be able to check in for flights using facial recognition technology.
Abu Dhabi’s “Smart Travel” initiative
As part of its “Smart Travel” initiative, Abu Dhabi Airports plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and biometric authentication into each security checkpoint at the airport by 2025.
The initiative will “automatically authenticate travelers” by utilizing the databases of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security of the United Arab Emirates, according to a statement released by the local administration in July.
This will eliminate the need for passengers to register in advance, something they typically have to do as soon as they arrive at the airport.
Etihad Airways has implemented biometric technology to streamline self-service luggage drop-off, traveler check-ins, and facial recognition for boarding.
This implies that boarding cards won’t be required for passengers to board an Etihad aircraft. Also, five additional airlines are adopting this technology at boarding gates and check-in areas.
Benefits and impact
With this new technology, the complete ticket and travel document verification process will take only seven seconds instead of the twenty-five at standard kiosks.
The project, according to an announcement from Abu Dhabi Airports, “will enhance airline performance by eliminating the need for expensive infrastructure expansions and effectively detecting fraud and forgery in identification documents.”
The use of biometrics in EU airports
A similar program called FaceBoarding, which employs facial recognition at Milano Linate and Catania airports, began trials by Italian officials in May.
To display their documents and have their faces scanned, travelers use airport kiosks. It makes it quicker for security and boarding when they can use FaceBoarding again at other checkpoints.
On the website of the Milano-Linate airport, SEA, the company in charge of the new Italian system, states that those who want to use Faceboarding will only have their data processed “for the purpose of participation in the project.”
“Facial images are not stored, but are only used to create a biometric template required for passing security checks and eventually board at the gate,” according to its website.
Airlines such as Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and ITA Airways have also registered to use the system on behalf of their customers.
Additionally, the EU is preparing to introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will allow travelers from the UK and other non-EU nations to register automatically.
When travelers enter the EU, self-serve kiosks require them to scan their passports and faces if they do not have a long-stay visa.
After each trip, a traveler’s name, biometric data, and entry/exit dates will be recorded and stored for up to three years. Ylva Johansson, the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, earlier informed Euronews that the system will go live on November 10.
In closing
Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport is set to revolutionize air travel with its “Smart Travel” initiative, integrating facial recognition technology to streamline passenger processing. This advancement promises a faster, more efficient travel experience by reducing the need for traditional boarding tickets and expediting document verification. Similarly, European airports are exploring biometrics with initiatives like FaceBoarding and the upcoming Entry/Exit System, highlighting a broader trend toward enhanced security and convenience in air travel.
(Tashia Bernardus)