The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) activated the nation’s first touchless biometric e-gates for TSA PreCheck passengers at Newark Liberty Airport’s Terminal C during the Labor Day travel period in 2026. Developed in collaboration with United Airlines, the e-gates use facial biometric verification to confirm passengers’ identities and boarding information without requiring physical identification or boarding passes. TSA federal security director Greg Hawko said there are currently no plans to introduce the technology beyond Terminal C, but “the hope is, as it progresses, we can expand it across the airport.”
Enhanced Passenger Processing Launched in Bermuda
Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport joined the biometric roll-out by implementing
Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) employing facial comparison technology within its U.S. preclearance facility. The facial recognition system quickly matches travelers’ faces to passport records, expediting inspections for U.S. citizens. The airport operator, Skyport, invested in the EPP after observing comparable technology in Aruba.
Denver International Accepts myColorado Mobile IDs
Denver International Airport began accepting myColorado mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) at security checkpoints using Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2). TSA officers authenticate passengers by comparing real-time photos with digital IDs and verify boarding details without requiring a boarding pass. TSA Colorado Federal Security Director Douglas Cruz stated, “The process of verifying identities is fundamental to ensuring transportation security.”
He added that TSA officers at Denver and other Colorado airports are fully trained to process myColorado mDLs, providing a convenient option for travelers.
Biometric and Digital ID Programs Expand in U.S. Air Travel
Biometric verification and mobile digital identity technologies are transitioning from pilot phases into regular operational services in U.S. airports. Colorado joined 20 other states whose mobile driver’s licenses are accepted by TSA as of 2026. Both TSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have increased deployment of touchless biometric checkpoints, aiming to streamline passenger processing while enhancing transportation security.
