The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) launched the first touchless biometric e-gates at Terminal C of Newark Liberty Airport during the Labor Day travel period in early September 2026. Developed in collaboration with United Airlines, these e-gates allow TSA PreCheck passengers to verify their identity and boarding information through face biometrics without the need for physical identification or boarding passes.
Enhanced Passenger Processing Introduced at Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) implemented Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) at the L.F. Wade International Airport preclearance facility in Bermuda. EPP uses facial comparison technology that matches travelers’ faces to their passport records within seconds, expediting inspections for U.S. citizens.
Skyport, the Bermuda airport operator, invested in this deployment after observing comparable facial recognition technology utilized at Aruba.
Denver International Airport Begins Accepting myColorado Mobile Driver’s Licenses
TSA started accepting myColorado mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) at Denver International Airport security checkpoints. Using Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2), TSA officers verify travelers by comparing a real-time photo to the digital license and confirm boarding details without requiring boarding passes. Colorado joins 20 other states with TSA recognition of mobile IDs, facilitating a more streamlined identification process.
TSA Officials Comment on Biometric and Mobile ID Expansions
Greg Hawko, TSA federal security director at Newark Liberty Airport, stated there is no immediate plan to extend biometric e-gates beyond Terminal C but expressed
hopes for future airport-wide expansion, saying, “the hope is, as it progresses, we can expand it across the airport.” Douglas Cruz, TSA Colorado Federal Security Director, emphasized the importance of identity verification for transportation security. He said, “By enabling travelers to use mobile driver’s licenses, we are leveraging technology to strengthen security and streamline our operations. Our TSA officers are fully trained to accept and process myColorado mDLs, and we are glad to provide this convenient option for those departing DEN and our other state airports.” These advancements reflect an ongoing shift from pilot testing to operational deployment of biometric
verification and mobile identity solutions in U.S. air travel.
