ICAO announces the elimination of boarding passes and current check-in proc

ICAO announces the elimination of boarding passes and current check-in processes

16-04-25

In an unprecedented turnaround in the aviation industry, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a UN agency, has announced a radical transformation in the passenger experience: the elimination of boarding passes and traditional check-in processes at airports. This initiative, considered the most significant in more than half a century, aims to modernise and streamline air traffic through the implementation of a ‘digital travel credential’.

This credential will allow travellers to store on their mobile devices all the information needed for their flight, including passport details and itinerary details. When booking a flight, passengers will receive a digital ‘travel pass’ that will be automatically updated in case of changes. Upon arrival at the airport, the system will simply scan the passenger's face to confirm their identity and validate their ticket, eliminating the need to present physical documents.

The use of biometric technologies, such as facial recognition, will be key to this new model. Cameras installed at strategic points in the airport will identify passengers at security checkpoints, baggage drop-off and boarding gates. This system not only promises to reduce queues and waiting times, but also to improve operational efficiency and security.

Leading travel technology companies, such as Amadeus, are collaborating in the development of this initiative. According to Valérie Viale, director of product management at Amadeus, ‘the last major evolution was the introduction of electronic ticketing in the 2000s. Now it is time to make a new leap towards more modern and dynamic systems.

Airlines such as British Airways, Air France-KLM, Finnair and Saudia Airlines are already exploring the implementation of this technology. In addition, some airports, such as Dubai and Singapore, are already testing similar systems. In Europe, major hubs such as Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat are expected to be among the first to adopt it.

However, this transformation also poses significant challenges. Adapting airport infrastructure will require considerable investments in biometric technology and instant verification systems. In addition, the management of biometric passenger data has raised concerns about privacy and the protection of personal information. To address these concerns, technology companies have ensured that biometric information will only be used to confirm identities in real time and will not be stored, thus reducing the risks of data leakage.

This change also aligns with digitisation trends in the airline industry. For example, Ryanair has announced that it will eliminate physical boarding passes at its check-in counters from May next year, requiring passengers to check in online or via the airline's app.

The elimination of boarding passes and traditional check-in represents a significant move towards a more seamless, secure and efficient travel experience. While the transition will require coordinated efforts between airlines, airports and regulatory authorities, the potential benefits for passengers and the industry as a whole are considerable.

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