As the world strives for better connectivity, airports are racing to revolutionize the travel experience, scrapping requirements to present a passport at checkpoints.
One way how the international hubs can achieve that is by upgrading their security systems to the most innovative alternatives, which includes utilizing biometric technology, VisaGuide.World reports.
The biometric security check can be done via sensors that verify facial features and can easily replace manual checkups. Here’s a look at three airports leading the shift into traveling without having to show documents.
Changi Airport, Singapore
Singapore’s main hub aims at becoming the first airport in the world to use automated systems for checking passengers.
The check-in process will be carried out through checking the authentication token, facilitating traveling for passengers as they no longer need to present tickets or passports. However, it is required that travelers have with themselves their passports for immigration clearance overseas.
Changi Airport intends to roll out the automated system for verification of passengers in 2024, with August being the first month of trial.
Travelers will enjoy passport-less immigration clearance at Changi Airport starting from August 2024. This is part of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) plan to strengthen border security, and at the same time enhance the traveler experience, by digitalising border clearance.
Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi
Following the launch of its Smart Travel Project, the UAE-based airport has revealed plans to make traveling passport, ID and even ticket-free by 2025,
According to CNN, the airport has come together with the national government for this initiative, and it is already in use with flights operated by Etihad, the partner airline.
We’re expanding to nine touchpoints and this would be a world first. It’s designed with no pre-enrollment required, passengers are automatically recognized and authenticated as they move through the airport, significantly speeding up the entire process.
Heathrow Airport, UK
The European airports are also making efforts to facilitate traveling. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) partnered with the British Airways, headquartered near Heathrow Airport.
A test flight was operated from Heathrow to Rome, with the test passengers having their passport, visa and e-ticket in a digital wallet. The practice is also known as W3C Verifiable Credential.
The innovative measure could also help traffic at Heathrow Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in the world. According to World’s Most Stressful Airports Ranking by VisaGuide, Heathrow ranks fifth, with a score of 37.13 out of a record of 52 – held by London Gatwick Airport, also located in the UK.
In addition to the European airport, Hong Kong International Airport, Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda and Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International have also launched biometric terminals, which apply only to certain checkpoints – as trial measures.