Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Airports has teamed up with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security to launch the Smart Travel project, which uses biometric technology, at Zayed International Airport.
The initiative will integrate biometric authentication technologies across all security and operations touchpoints at the airport. Next 50, a company specialising in AI-based transportation solutions, will help implement the project in three phases.
The project uses biometric technology to automatically authenticate travelers by utilizing databases of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. This eliminates the need for departing passengers to register in advance.
Abu Dhabi Airports hopes to enhance traveler experience, expedite the passenger travel process, and maintain the strictest aviation security and safety regulations within the airport by putting this concept into action.
Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Airways deployed biometric technology at several airport touchpoints in conjunction with the November 2023 opening of the new terminal at Zayed International Airport.
This involves the use of facial recognition technology at e-gates and boarding gates, self-service baggage delivery, and automated traveler registration services—all without the need for travel documentation or face-to-face communication with airport personnel.
To register travelers’ biometric data and enable facial recognition, Abu Dhabi Airports has started implementing a second phase of this project, which involves installing biometric systems at check-in for five additional airlines, installing e-gates in designated transit areas, and installing all boarding gates. Duty-free shopping establishments and the Etihad Airways lounge are also part of the upcoming expansion.
Andrew Murphy, Chief Information Officer at Zayed International Airport, remarked that, “We are delighted to collaborate with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security to implement this groundbreaking project at our state-of-the-art terminal at Zayed International Airport. We are dedicated to enhancing the traveler experience by providing efficient and seamless services through advanced biometric systems.”
“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 added.
In addition to improving airline performance, the Biometric Smart Travel initiative has many benefits for Zayed International Airport. It will do this by removing the need for costly infrastructure upgrades and by successfully identifying identity document fraud and forgeries.