Travel industry consortium urges EU to approve biometric travel.
The Responsible Biometrics Travel Industry Coalition, formed by ACI EUROPE, Amadeus, IATA, IDEMIA Public Security and SITA, has called on European Union policymakers to ensure that the proposed Digital Omnibus supports the safe and voluntary use of biometric technologies in air travel while protecting passenger privacy and individual choice.
The coalition brings together organisations representing airports, airlines and travel technology companies. It is seeking a technology-neutral regulatory framework that allows the responsible use of biometric data while maintaining appropriate security measures and ensuring that passengers can choose non-biometric alternatives.
The EU’s Digital Omnibus initiative aims to simplify Europe’s digital regulatory framework while maintaining strong standards for cyber security and data protection, encouraging innovation and improving competitiveness. However, the coalition has raised concerns that the proposed legislation could unintentionally restrict passengers’ ability to choose biometric travel solutions.
According to the coalition, biometric verification can improve airport efficiency by reducing repeated passport and boarding-pass checks and enabling smoother passenger flows. The technology could also help airports manage increasing passenger numbers and periods of peak demand by making better use of existing infrastructure. It may allow airport employees to focus more on travellers who require additional assistance.
The coalition also believes that greater regulatory clarity could encourage investment in biometric technology, support European technology companies and contribute to the competitiveness of the region’s aviation and tourism sectors.
Citing data from IATA’s Global Passenger Survey, the coalition said 74% of respondents would be willing to use biometric information instead of a passport or boarding pass.
Passenger consent and privacy remain central to the coalition’s proposals. It has stressed that participation in biometric travel should remain voluntary, with travellers retaining control over whether their biometric information is shared. The coalition also called for biometric data to be securely handled, limited to the specific journey and deleted when requested by passengers. Non-biometric options should remain available.
The coalition has released its “Advancing Responsible Biometrics in Europe Manifesto,” which outlines industry commitments and recommendations for the proposed regulatory framework. The manifesto calls for greater legal clarity around biometric data use and continued dialogue between governments and industry.
The coalition comprises senior representatives including Olivier Jankovec of ACI Europe, Fernando Cuesta of Amadeus, Thomas Reynaert of IATA, Lisa Shoemaker of IDEMIA Public Security and Pedro Alves of SITA.
Through the initiative, the participating organisations aim to contribute industry expertise to EU regulatory discussions and support a framework that balances passenger convenience, airport efficiency, technological innovation, privacy and fundamental rights.
