Seven airports in India will begin trials of the Digi Yatra biometric system for international passengers starting November 2026. This rollout expands the use of biometric identity verification in the country to include international air travelers.
IATA Reports Rising Global Use of Biometrics at Airports
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) published its 2026 Global Passenger Survey on October 28, gathering data from over 10,000 participants across more than 200 countries. The survey found that 58% of passengers experienced biometric processing at airports in 2026, up from 50% in 2025.
Passenger satisfaction with biometric airport processes reached 87% in 2026, indicating widespread approval of the technology among travelers worldwide.
The survey included input from more than 370 IATA member airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Ryanair, United Airlines, and Lufthansa.
High Passenger Acceptance of Biometric Data Sharing
The survey revealed 78% of global passengers were willing to share biometric data if it allowed them to bypass presenting physical passports and boarding passes during security checks. Additionally, 84% expressed interest in using digital passports for online check-in instead of physical documents.
Furthermore, 82% of travelers were open to sharing digital travel identification with airlines at booking to enable personalized services, including visa information. This reflects increasing comfort with digital travel credentials and biometric technology in
passenger interactions.
U.S. Authorities Allow Biometric Opt-Out Without Delay
In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits travelers to opt out of facial recognition technology at airport security checkpoints without facing screening delays or changes in queue order. Similarly, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) allows American citizens to request alternative processing if they decline facial photo capture, typically involving manual review of travel documents.
IATA Calls for Government Frameworks on Digital Travel Credentials
Nick Careen, IATA Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security, emphasized the growing passenger demand for biometrics. He stated, “More passengers are experiencing biometrics during their travels. They like it and want more.” Careen highlighted the operational benefits, including
smoother journeys and enhanced security for governments and airlines.
He also noted that widespread adoption depends on governments establishing frameworks for issuing and accepting secure digital passports or Digital Travel Credentials, which are essential for making biometric verification standard in international travel.
