Abu Dhabi Airports has unveiled an innovative initiative called the Biometric Smart Travel project, aiming to revolutionize the travel experience at Zayed International Airport.
This groundbreaking project introduces automated traveller registration, self-service baggage drop-off, and facial recognition technology at e-gates and boarding gates. These advancements eliminate the need for traditional travel documents and reduce direct interaction with airport staff, streamlining the journey for passengers.
Biometric Smart Travel project
Scheduled for rollout in three phases, the project will integrate biometric authentication systems across all security and operational checkpoints within the airport. Leveraging databases from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, travelers will be automatically authenticated using biometric data, eliminating the need for prior registration before departure.
Initially launched in November 2023 at the new terminal in collaboration with Etihad Airways, the project has already implemented automated traveler registration, self-service baggage handling, and facial recognition at key points throughout the airport.
Expansion plans
Now, Abu Dhabi Airports is expanding the initiative by integrating biometric systems for additional airlines, extending from check-in counters to boarding gates and installing new e-gates in transit areas to register travelers’ biometric information.
Andrew Murphy, Chief Information Officer at Zayed International Airport, highlighted plans to expand the system to cover all security and operational touchpoints, including facilities for other airlines, by 2025. This expansion aims to enhance efficiency and security while significantly reducing passenger processing times, from 25 seconds down to just seven seconds per traveler.
Saeed Saif Al Khaili, General Director at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, emphasized that the Biometric Smart Travel project enhances security measures by integrating ticket and travel document verification into a single, seamless process. This approach not only improves the travel experience but also reduces reliance on human resources, utilizing smart gates for efficient identity verification.
Moreover, the project is expected to benefit airlines by minimizing the need for costly infrastructure expansions and effectively detecting fraudulent activities related to identification documents.
The Biometric Smart Travel project represents a significant leap forward in enhancing the efficiency, security, and overall travel experience at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport. As it continues to evolve and expand, travelers can expect a smoother journey with enhanced safety measures and reduced processing times, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation in air travel services.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
