Passengers traveling through Terminal 3 of Dubai Airports can look forward to a hassle-free experience later this year as biometrics and facial recognition technology become the new standard in global travel. Adel Ahmed Al Redha, the Chief Operating Officer of Emirates airline, announced that by November-December, the airline will enable passengers to complete check-in and board the aircraft using their own identity, eliminating the need for physical passports.
Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), confirmed that a new system will be operational at Terminal 3 of Dubai Airport in November. Passengers will be able to use their biometrics to navigate all airport procedures seamlessly. This innovation includes the introduction of smart gates to replace traditional electronic gates, streamlining the travel process.
Dubai Airports has been diligently working on this project for several years, incorporating cutting-edge biometric technology to create a touchless travel experience for passengers. Officials emphasized that travelers' faces and fingerprints will serve as their primary identification, greatly enhancing the efficiency and speed of airport operations.
However, there is also a call for enhanced data sharing among airports to expedite passenger flows. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, highlighted the need for better integration of passenger information across all touchpoints.
Adel Ahmed Al Redha stressed the importance of international collaboration in data sharing. He suggested that if countries exchange data, passengers can use their biometrics seamlessly when moving between different countries, reducing redundancy in information submission. Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to play a significant role in data collection and process enhancement.
Miguel Leitmann, co-founder and group CEO at Vision-Box, underscored the growing acceptance of biometrics as the new norm for secure and convenient travel. Major General Obaid mentioned that technology will gradually replace human involvement at ports and airports, creating new roles focused on monitoring and analyzing processes.
Looking ahead, officials envision the establishment of a common database among different countries to further enhance the efficiency of international travel. Adel Al Redha emphasized that technology is the solution to addressing challenges in the aviation sector. He envisions a future where seamless operations rely on 90% automation and only 10% human interaction, driven by reliable technology.
In summary, Dubai's Terminal 3 is set to revolutionize travel by introducing passport-free and seamless biometric-based check-in and immigration processes. This innovative approach is expected to enhance the overall travel experience and reduce the reliance on physical passports for identification. International collaboration and the adoption of biometrics are seen as essential steps toward the future of travel efficiency.