Abu Dhabi Airports has partnered with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) to introduce the Smart Travel biometric project at Zayed International Airport. Developed in collaboration with Next 50, a specialist in AI-based transportation solutions, the project will be implemented in three phases. It aims to integrate biometric authentication systems across all security and operational checkpoints at the airport.
The initiative uses ICP databases to authenticate travellers using biometric technology, eliminating the need for prior registration for departing passengers. Through this initiative, Abu Dhabi Airports seeks to maintain strict aviation security standards, enhance the traveller experience, and streamline the passenger journey at the airport.
How Does The Biometric Smart Travel Project Work
The Biometric Smart Travel project at Zayed International Airport aims to improve the travel experience from curb to gate while maintaining high levels of security and safety.
It reduces traveller processing time significantly, from 25 seconds to just 7 seconds, by consolidating ticket and travel document verification into a streamlined process. The project relieves strain on human resources by utilising smart gates for efficient identity verification.
Besides this, it offers multiple benefits for the airport, including enhanced airline performance by eliminating the necessity for costly infrastructure expansions. The project effectively detects fraud and forgery in identification documents, bolstering security measures at the airport.
The authorities plan to extend these systems to all security and operational checkpoints, as well as other airlines, by 2025. At present, only Etihad Airways has implemented the biometric systems across multiple touchpoints at the airport.
This partnership will enable Abu Dhabi Airports to maintain quality passenger services, with a strong focus on ensuring traveller security and safety and delivering outstanding global travel experiences throughout the airports.