Abu Dhabi Airport To Eliminate Passport Use With Cutting-Edge Biometric Technology

Abu Dhabi Airport is looking to replace passports and boarding passes with biometric data, such as face scans.

Abu Dhabi tech giant Next50 said the first phase of the Smart Path project would result in the use of artificial intelligence and next-generation biometric technology at various touchpoints across the airport, eliminating the need for passengers to present their passports and boarding passes to airport staff.

The Smart Path project is currently being developed in collaboration with French firm Idemia and Swiss aviation IT company Sita. Once completed, the technology will make passengers' airport experience fully contactless with self-service baggage counters, passport control, business class lounge, electronic immigration gates, and boarding gates.

Next50 explained that while biometric data is already being used at e-gates at the Abu Dhabi Airport, passengers still need to present their passport. With the Smart Path initiative, however, passengers only need to use their faces to obtain a boarding pass and avail other airport services, significantly reducing wait times and preventing long queues from curb to gate.

"We are excited to be leading the biometrics project at the UAE capital's state-of-the-art international airport as part of the Emirate's digital transformation vision," said Next50 chief executive Ibrahim Al Mannaee. "Once the project is fully realized, the airport will be the only airport in the region with biometric solutions implemented across all customer touchpoints, contributing to Abu Dhabi Airport's vision to become the operator of the most technology-driven airport in the world, providing a seamless journey to all its passengers."

"We are proud to be joining forces with Idemia and Sita, and offering our expertise in artificial intelligence and data sciences to make this initiative a reality," he added.

Abu Dhabi Airport CEO Engr. Jamal Salem Ad Dhaheri said the initiative further cements the city's commitment to shape the future of airport experiences through efficiency, convenience, and service excellence.

"Upon final completion of the project, Abu Dhabi will be home to the world's first airport to include every touch point in the biometric journey, providing travelers with a seamless, safe, and secure passenger experience," he said.

Initiatives such as the Smart Path have been developed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to introduce contactless alternatives to daily tasks.