Proposed Legislation Would Clear Airport Biometrics for Takeoff in Switzerland

Switzerland’s government has proposed a draft amendment to the Aviation Act that would permit the use of facial recognition technology in airports and airlines. The initiative aims to streamline the passenger handling process by allowing the use of biometric data, enabling passengers to bypass traditional paper tickets and electronic boarding passes.

Facial recognition could be implemented at various stages, such as baggage drop-off, check-in, and boarding. The draft also suggests that facial recognition could be used for staff access controls.

Importantly, the government emphasizes that the current non-biometric procedures will remain available for those who prefer not to use facial recognition.

The proposed amendment is part of a broader effort to address 22 different aviation-related topics, including the protection of existing airports, with some ideas stemming from parliamentary initiatives. The consultation period for the proposal is open until November 28, 2024.

Notably, Zurich Airport implemented a facial recognition system as part of a trial before the Swiss government explicitly pushed for its allowance. The trial began in 2017, focusing on automated biometric passport control systems to handle increased capacity and reduce queues at immigration checks.

Zurich’s system was introduced as a voluntary option for passengers over 18 with biometric passports from Switzerland or EU/EEA countries, arriving from outside the Schengen zone. Zurich cantonal police ensured that the system complied with existing Swiss data protection laws. The trial phase was meant to assess the system’s effectiveness before deciding on permanent implementation.

Source: Swissinfo.ch

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August 29, 2024 – by the FindBiometrics Editorial Team