SITA Report: Airports and Airlines Accelerate Biometric Adoption

Airlines are following this trend, with 28 percent investing in identity management solutions for passengers and staff. These systems have cut boarding times by 30 percent and reduced passenger wait times by up to 60 percent.

Privacy and security remain critical industry concerns. About half of airports (49 percent) and airlines (45 percent) identify privacy as their main consideration. Security issues concern 39 percent of respondents, while 36 percent of airports face challenges with passenger acceptance and understanding of biometric systems.

Industry collaboration is growing, as 29 percent of airlines and airports work with technology providers to create new biometric solutions. By 2027, three-quarters of airports plan to use biometric technology at multiple points, including check-in, bag drop, boarding, and border control.

Overall technology investment has reached record levels, with airlines spending $37 billion and airports investing $8.8 billion in 2024. Cybersecurity leads the priorities, as 87 percent of airlines implement security operations centers and 81 percent apply AI for threat detection.

AI and data analytics adoption continues to grow. Airlines are emphasizing generative AI and large language models (56 percent), while airports (38 percent) explore similar technologies. Airports are also modernizing infrastructure, with 57 percent planning to deploy 5G private networks by 2027.

Environmental concerns now influence technology investments, with 62 percent of airlines working with sustainable aviation fuel suppliers. Airports and airlines are incorporating sustainability into their digital strategies through cruise optimization software and fleet modernization programs.