Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, UAE will soon debut an optimized way to screen passengers. Modern technology will be used to replace crucial parts of the registration process, making security and customs easier and faster to get through by eliminating paperwork. 

The "Smart Travel Project"

Abu Dhabi Airports has reached an agreement with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security to utilize a brand-new biometric technology that's said to change the game in air travel. This biometric technology comes in the form of sensors that will be installed at every ID checkpoint inside the airport by 2025. Zayed first installed biometric sensors in its new terminal which was completed in November 2023.

The Airport's CEO Elena Sorlini had this to say about the deal in a press release in June celebrating the one-millionth passenger processed using biometric sensors:

"The initial rollout of cutting-edge biometrics at Zayed International Airport underscores our dedication to enhancing airport experiences through innovation and technology, ensuring efficiency, convenience, and superior service. Once fully implemented, Abu Dhabi will pioneer as the world’s first airport with biometrics integrated at every stage, ensuring travelers enjoy a seamless, safe, and secure journey."
 

These biometric sensors are being developed by UAE-based tech company IDEMIA. This new technology is said to help bolster security while also making the customer experience easier and more efficient.

Customers will need to use at least three sensors before boarding their flight: One to register their likeness, one to check-in, and one to board the plane.

Besides Zayed Airport, Abu Dhabi Airport is looking to install biometric sensors on other airports under its umbrella.

How Biometric Sensors Works

IDEMIA has created a solution known as the Single Token Journey (STJ). This solution gives a unique identifier to each traveler looking to fly. To begin, the traveler will need to have their face scanned by the system, which will save the image for later stages of the boarding process and future flights.
 

According to IDEMIA, the average passenger will be able to get through the boarding process and make it to the gate in just 12 minutes.

Back in the United States, however, lawmakers are arguing how the new biometric technology could actually make the boarding process longer. In a report from the U.S. Travel Association, biometric facial sensors may require an excess of 120 million cumulative hours travelers could spend at TSA security lines every year (https://www.ustravel.org/news/us-travels-advocacy-and-leadership-defeats-harmful-amendment-faa-renewal-bill), largely due to how much time it would take for new travelers to get registered on-site at the airport.

We all agree that quick and painless boarding times are a pipe dream for all air travelers, but like with other forms of new and modern technology, you're sure to have skeptics that point out potential risks that might outweigh the rewards. While biometric face-scanning shouldn't be a worldwide mandate, it's still a good idea to have a few airports test the new technology out and see if there's potential for those flaws to be mitigated.

But what is your take on this new face recognition technology? Do you have any doubts or fears when it comes to having your likeness taken by a computer? Be sure to leave us a comment down below!