Noi Bai International Airport began operating a biometric check-in system in July 2026, aiming to speed up passenger boarding procedures. The new system allows travelers to authenticate their identity biometrically at check-in and boarding, reducing manual identity verification steps.
IATA Reveals Rising Use and Approval of Biometric Technologies
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) published its 2026 Global Passenger Survey (GPS) on October 28, 2026, gathering insights from over 10,000 travelers across more than 200 countries. The survey found that 58% of passengers reported using biometric processing during airport experiences, an increase from 50% in 2025. Passenger satisfaction with biometric processing reached 87% in 2026.
The survey also showed
78% of respondents are willing to share biometric data to bypass showing passports and boarding passes at security checkpoints. Furthermore, 84% expressed interest in using digital passports for online check-in in lieu of physical passports. When asked about sharing digital travel IDs with airlines post-payment, 82% indicated willingness, citing benefits such as personalized visa requirement information.
U.S. Travelers Can Opt Out of Facial Recognition Without Delay
In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits travelers to decline participation in facial comparison technology at security screening. TSA confirms that opting out does not result in longer processing times or loss of place in the security line. Similarly, U.S. Customs
and Border Protection (CBP) allows American citizens to request alternative processing if they refuse facial photo capture, involving manual inspection by CBP officers.
IATA Emphasizes Need for Government Coordination on Digital Travel Credentials
Nick Careen, Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety and Security at IATA, highlighted the benefits of biometric processing for travelers, governments, and airlines. Careen stated, “More passengers are experiencing biometrics during their travels. They like it and want more.” He added that smoother passenger journeys and enhanced security require governments to establish a framework for the issuance and acceptance of Digital Travel Credentials, facilitating biometrics as the standard for international travel.
