Hong Kong International Airport became one of the first two global entities to receive the International Air Transport Association (IATA) One ID digital identity certification on October 28, 2026. The certification recognizes the airport’s deployment of advanced biometric and digital identity technologies aimed at simplifying passenger processing and enhancing security.
Flight Token System Usage and Eligibility
The airport’s Flight Token system, launched in 2021, allows departing passengers to use facial recognition to pass through multiple checkpoints without repeatedly presenting travel documents. Since its introduction, over 93 million passengers have used Flight Token. More than 80 percent of departing passengers at the airport qualify to use the
system throughout their departure, integrating contactless travel with biometric identity verification.
IATA’s Role and Regulatory Challenges
Nick Careen, IATA’s senior vice president for operations, safety and security, highlighted regulatory hurdles as a key barrier to faster adoption of biometric travel technology. He pointed to government legislation on data privacy and physical identity checks as factors slowing implementation globally. Careen commented on geopolitical factors, including US participation, noting that although the US could opt out, he expects it will join due to passenger demand for streamlined travel.
Privacy and Security Features of One ID
The One ID certification covers contactless travel, biometric handling, and privacy, consent and governance. The system operates on decentralized
digital identity technology using encrypted tokens rather than storing original biometric images, which reduces security risks. Passengers consent to data sharing for each journey, and data is deleted after a defined period. Francis Fong Po-kiu, honorary president of the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, described public caution over cross-border biometric data sharing as natural but noted that the One ID approach could provide stronger privacy protections than typical online applications.
Collaborations and Cross-Border Trials
Alongside Hong Kong International Airport, Air New Zealand also received IATA One ID certification, specifically for digitalizing passenger admissibility verification. The airline partnered with the Hong Kong airport in trials
testing the use of digital identity across borders to reduce the need for physical document presentation and queuing. This trial demonstrated the potential for interoperable biometric systems facilitating international travel.
Official Statements and Future Plans
Vivian Cheung Kar-fay, CEO of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, stated that the certification validates the airport’s biometric processes meeting global standards and supports expansion of Flight Token beyond Hong Kong. Nick Careen emphasized the importance of trust in identity verification and data privacy, describing Hong Kong International Airport as setting a global benchmark for biometric travel technology. Despite current regulatory slowdowns, plans are underway to extend Flight Token capabilities
in partnership with airlines and government authorities using this certification as a foundation.
