IATA and ACI Europe have joined a new industry coalition calling on EU policymakers to ensure upcoming digital legislation supports voluntary biometric technology for travel while protecting passenger privacy.
The newly-formed Responsible Biometrics Travel Industry Coalition unites global aviation and technology bodies including airport association ACI Europe, airline trade body IATA, travel technology provider Amadeus, identity group IDEMIA Public Security and air transport IT specialist SITA.
The group is urging EU lawmakers to ensure that the proposed Digital Omnibus legislation “actively supports the voluntary and secure use of biometrics in travel while protecting passenger choice and privacy”.
Designed to simplify Europe’s digital framework and enhance industrial competitiveness, the Digital Omnibus preserves strict data protection and cybersecurity standards. However, the coalition warns that the current legislative draft could unintentionally restrict the voluntary adoption of biometric systems across European airports.
Biometric verification, such as facial recognition, significantly speeds up airport processing by eliminating repeated manual document checks at border control and boarding gates, says the coalition. The technology helps airports optimise existing terminal infrastructure, manage peak traffic periods and enable operational staff to assist passengers requiring additional support.
“EU policymakers have the opportunity to put Europe in the global lead on biometric regulation,” says the group in a joint statement. “The benefits of the latest technologies are clear: they can protect passenger data privacy and open a more seamless and efficient travel process.”
Traveller demand for automated processing remains strong. Research cited from IATA’s Global Passenger Survey indicates that 74% of travellers are willing to share biometric data to replace traditional passports and boarding passes.
The coalition’s manifesto, titled ‘Advancing Responsible Biometrics in Europe’, sets out commitments to technology-neutral rules, mandatory non-biometric alternatives and strict data protection. Under the proposed principles, passenger participation must remain strictly voluntary, with users retaining full control to share or delete their biometric data at any time during a defined journey.
Addressing regulatory clarity is becoming increasingly vital as air travel volumes rise. ICAO forecasts that global passenger traffic will reach 12.4 billion annually by 2050 – nearly triple 2024 levels.
The coalition argues that established legal clarity and public-private dialogue will prove essential to expanding airport capacity, ensuring seamless border clearance and bolstering the competitiveness of Europe’s transport and tourism sectors.
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