7-second processing: Abu Dhabi airport to introduce world’s first biometric system

Abu Dhabi Airports has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative – the world's first biometric Smart Travel project at Zayed International Airport. The initiative is in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). according to a press release.

The innovative project, developed alongside transportation AI specialists Next 50, will roll out in three phases. The goal: to seamlessly integrate biometric authentication throughout the airport experience, from security checkpoints to boarding gates.

Leveraging the ICP's databases, the Smart Travel project utilizes facial recognition technology to automatically verify departing passengers, eliminating the need for pre-registration. The press release stated that the streamlined process aims to significantly enhance passenger experience while upholding safety standards at Abu Dhabi’s airport.

Following a successful initial launch in November 2023 at the new terminal, Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Airways implemented the biometric systems across multiple touchpoints at the airport. This initial phase saw the implementation of automated registration, self-service baggage drop-off, and document-free boarding through e-gates.

Now, the expansion will integrate biometric systems at check-in counters for five additional airlines, all boarding gates, and designated transit areas. This will involve installing new e-gates and capturing traveler data to facilitate smoother facial recognition throughout the journey.

Andrew Murphy, Chief Information Officer at Zayed International Airport, said: "By 2025, we aim to expand these systems across all security and operations touchpoints and other airlines."

Saeed Saif Al Khaili, General Director at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security said: "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."

Recently, Elon Musk took to X to comment on a viral TikTok video showcasing a futuristic check-in process at Abu Dhabi.