Abu Dhabi airports launches world-first biometric smart travel project
Abu Dhabi Airports has partnered with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security to introduce the innovative Biometric Smart Travel project at Zayed International Airport. This project, executed in collaboration with AI specialists Next 50, aims to distribute biometric authentication systems across all security and operations touchpoints at the airport in three phases.
Travellers will be automatically authenticated using biometrics, eliminating the need for prior registration for departing passengers. The ultimate goals are to enhance aviation security and improve the traveller experience.
The biometric systems, already implemented at the new terminal launched in November 2023, include automated registration services, self-service baggage delivery, and facial recognition at e-gates and boarding gates. This setup removes the need for physical travel documents and direct staff interaction.
Further expansion of the project includes the introduction of biometric systems for five additional airlines, all boarding gates, and new e-gates in transit areas. Plans also extend to the Etihad Airways lounge and duty-free retail outlets.
Andrew Murphy, Chief Information Officer at Zayed International Airport, emphasised the commitment to enhancing traveller experience through advanced biometric systems. “By 2025, we aim to expand these systems across all security and operations touchpoints and other airlines,” he said.
Saeed Saif Al Khaili, General Director at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, noted that the Biometric Smart Travel project significantly reduces service time and integrates ticket and travel document verification into a single process. The new system cuts service time from 25 seconds to just seven seconds, relying on smart gates for identity verification.
This ground-breaking project promises to improve airline performance by eliminating the need for costly infrastructure expansions and enhancing fraud detection capabilities.
Originally Published at IDENTITYWEEK
