Abu Dhabi Airports is launching the “biometric smart travel” project to automate passenger registration at Zayed International Airport with ambitions to transform into the world’s first document-free airport.
This automation will eliminate the need for travel documents and significantly cut processing time at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.
Thee technology is already in use at certain sections of the airport, particularly on flights operated by its partner airline Etihad, in Abu Dhabi. But now the airport aims to expand it across the entire passenger flow.
Document-free airport
The airport aims to go paperless by 2025 with its Smart Travel Project, which will equip all identification checkpoints— from check-in counters to immigration booths, duty-free tills, airline lounges, and boarding gates—with biometric sensors.
This means that at any point where a document is required for access, the passenger’s identity and travel status can be verified by facial or iris recognition. “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,” explained Andrew Murphy, Chief Information Officer at Abu Dhabi Airport (AD Airports).
The airport is known for its hi-tech infrastructure and was recently praised by entrepreneur Elon Musk with the words “US needs to catch up.”
Biometric Smart Travel project
Developed in collaboration with AI transportation solutions provider Next 50, the project will integrate biometric authentication systems across all security and operational touchpoints at the airport. By leveraging the Federal Authority’s databases, the system will enable automatic traveler authentication without prior registration for departing passengers.
The project will be rolled out in three phases to integrate biometric authentication systems across all security and operations touchpoints at the airport.
Murphy further noted that all first-time arrivals to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), whether residents or tourists, have their biometrics collected at immigration by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).
“Where the real unique nature comes in is that this particular biometric solution here is to partner with ICP to utilize that data in order to make this passenger experience seamless. And that’s why everybody can use it,” he added.
“By 2025, we aim to expand these systems across all security and operations touchpoints and other airlines. This partnership will enable Abu Dhabi Airports to continue providing best in class passenger services, prioritizing travelers’ security and safety, and delivering an exceptional global travel experience across our airports,” Murphy confirmed.
Secure and efficient travel experience
Abu Dhabi Airports aims to enhance aviation security, improve the traveler experience, and streamline airport operations with this new technology.
Saeed Saif Al Khaili, General Director at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security said: “The Biometric Smart Travel project aims to enhance the travel experience at Zayed International Airport from kerb to gate, ensuring high levels of security and safety.”
The Biometric Smart Travel project “reduces the time to serve travelers from 25 seconds to just seven seconds, integrating ticket and travel document verification into a single process and alleviating the burden on human resources by relying on smart gates for identity verification.”
AD Airports continues to demonstrate positive growth with strong passenger traffic, flight movements, and cargo volumes for the first half of 2024. From January 1 to June 30, 2024, Abu Dhabi Airports facilitated the travel of 13.9 million passengers, marking a 33.5% increase compared to the first half of 2023. Zayed International Airport (AUH) alone facilitated 13.7 million, indicating a 33.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023, exceeding expectations.
Innovations at Abu Dhabi Airport
In Abu Dhabi, the technology was first implemented in November 2023 with the opening of the new terminal, featuring automated traveler registration, self-service baggage delivery, and facial recognition at e-gates and boarding gates.
The current phase of the project includes expanding biometric systems to five additional airlines, all boarding gates, and new e-gates in transit areas. Future expansions will incorporate biometric systems into the Etihad Airways lounge and duty-free retail outlets.
Other airports worldwide are also increasingly adopting biometric technology. Singapore’s Changi Airport is leading the way in adopting this technology. Similar to Abu Dhabi, it has partnered with the government’s immigration authority to develop a biometric clearance system available to both residents and tourists. The system will be rolled out gradually, beginning this month.