Abu Dhabi Airport is leading the way with innovative technology, offering futuristic screening for a passport-free travel experience.
Abu Dhabi is set to revolutionise air travel with the world’s first passport-free airport experience and futuristic screening. At the forefront of this technological advancement, Zayed International Airport is implementing facial recognition technology to streamline the entire passenger journey. By 2025, travellers can expect a seamless and expedited airport experience, from check-in to boarding.
Biometric systems were first introduced to Zayed International Airport in November 2023. Etihad Airways implemented automated traveller registration services, self-service baggage delivery, and facial recognition at boarding gates and e-gates. This innovative system will eventually eliminate the need for passports and boarding passes,replacing them with swift facial recognition scans.
Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport adopts futuristic screening: Key details
Abu Dhabi airport authorities are working with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security to introduce the biometric Smart Travel project. By integrating biometric technology at every touchpoint, the airport aims to reduce processing times significantly, from 25 seconds to just seven seconds.
Facial recognition will be launched in three phases to integrate biometrics at all airport touchpoints, from the airport’s entry to the boarding gate. The database provided by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security will eliminate the need for passengers to register beforehand.
Besides Etihad Airways, five other airlines are now using facial recognition at check-in and boarding gates, with plans to add it to the duty-free retail outlets and Etihad Airways lounge.
Zayed International Airport is not alone in the race for facial recognition as other global airports have been exploring similar initiatives. Singapore plans to make the entire immigration process passportless by incorporating this smart technology into its system. India has launched Digi Yatra across multiple airports to ensure smooth travel of passengers through the airport with the help of facial scans.
Source: travelandleisureasia