Three airports set to allow passport-free transit soon
Here are three airports that will soon allow travelers to pass through using biometrics, eliminating the need for a passport.
As global connectivity advances, airports are striving to enhance the travel experience by removing the requirement to present a passport at security checkpoints.
Below are three airports that will soon allow travellers to pass through without a passport. This means travellers passing through these airports will not have to show any documents.
Using biometric technology for travelling
International hubs are starting to upgrade their security systems with the most innovative alternatives, including the use of biometric technology.
The biometric security check can be conducted through sensors that verify facial features and can easily replace manual checks.
Changi Airport in Singapore
The Changi Airport in Singapore implemented a new facilitated travel measure last month, in August 2024.
As Singapore’s main hub, the airport has set a goal to become the first airport worldwide to use automated systems for checking passengers.
The check-in process will be carried out by checking the authentication token. This will make travelling easier for passengers as they will no longer need to present tickets or passports.
This is part of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) plan to strengthen border security, and at the same time enhance the traveller experience, by digitalising border clearance, according to Visa Guide.
Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi
As reported by Express Newspapers, the airport is launching its Smart Travel Project, which aims to equip every identification checkpoint with biometric sensors. This includes check-in counters, immigration booths, duty-free tills, airline lounges, and also boarding gates.
The Zayed International Airport collaborated with the national government for this initiative. It is already in use with flights operated by Etihad, the partner airline. Markedly, the airport aims to make travelling passport, ID and ticket-free by 2025.
Travelling via Heathrow Airport, UK
British Airways has operated a test flight from Heathrow to Rome with a passenger who had his travel documents stored in a digital wallet. This included his passport, visa and e-ticket.
Markedly, Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world, as reported by Time Out. In 2023, Heathrow was the world’s seventh busiest airport according to the Airports Council International (ACI), but currently it is the fourth busiest airport.