As the world emerges from the pandemic's shadow five years after it spread globally, everything seems to be back on track. Air travel volumes have matched and even surpassed the pre-COVID level.
But are they truly “back”? The pandemic did more than just bring masks and border closures. It fundamentally reshaped the world, accelerating digitalisation beyond recognition and irrevocably redefining security paradigms and human behaviour.
Heightened security concerns
Standard solutions are no longer enough to meet the evolving needs of operators and passengers alike
As passenger volumes surge across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, airports and airlines are facing an inevitable reality: progress breeds complexity. Rising demand for air travel has skyrocketed, exacerbating existing challenges, from heightened security concerns to longer wait times.
In this environment, standard solutions are no longer enough to meet the evolving needs of operators and passengers alike. The need for faster, safer, and more seamless travel experiences requires a more sophisticated approach. Biometrics, with its ability to streamline processes while enhancing security, is the key to unlocking the full potential of the airport industry in APAC.
The challenges of scaling
The aviation industry in the APAC region is experiencing unprecedented growth. In January 2025, APAC carriers accounted for over half (56.6%) of the total increase in global passenger traffic — an even higher share than before.
While this rapid expansion presents significant opportunities, it also introduces new challenges in passenger processing, security, and operational efficiency.
Security concerns
Cybersecurity challenges have emerged against the backdrop of rapid digitalisation of society
Airports must ensure stringent security measures while managing an increasing passenger volume. Traditional identity verification methods rely on manual checks, which are prone to human error and inefficiency. Security threats, including unauthorised access and identity fraud, further complicate the situation, necessitating a more advanced approach.
Additionally, cybersecurity challenges have emerged against the backdrop of rapid digitalisation of society. As airports adopt digital identity solutions, they become prime targets for cyberattacks. Thus, airports are to invest in robust cybersecurity measures, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time monitoring, to safeguard passenger data.
Passenger flow management: The bottleneck challenge
Managing smooth passenger movement within an airport is a significant challenge, yet many APAC airports struggle with processing surging passenger volumes. The busiest hubs, such as Hong Kong International, Changi, and Sydney Airport, are operating at or near capacity, increasing the risk of flight delays, missed connections, and overcrowding in terminals.
Key factors affecting passenger flow management include:
- Customs and immigration long wait times: Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat Airport experienced a surge in tourism, with nearly nine million visitors in the first five months of 2024. This influx resulted in customs and immigration wait times extending up to 120 minutes during peak periods.
- Capacity constraints: Many APAC airports, particularly Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Manila’s Ninoy Aquino, were designed for lower passenger capacities than they now handle. With terminal expansion projects often taking 5–10 years to complete, smart automation offers a more immediate solution to optimise throughput.
- Staff shortages: Lack of personnel in APAC airports slow down passenger processing, affecting security checks, baggage handling, and customer service. ACI Europe reports that rising traffic and workforce shortages are creating major bottlenecks, requiring smart solutions.
Degraded passenger experience: A threat to loyalty
The overall airport experience is a critical factor influencing traveller loyalty. Passengers expect smooth and hassle-free processing, yet inefficiencies in baggage handling, long security queues, and outdated infrastructure contribute to a frustrating experience.
Airports that fail to address these issues risk losing passenger trust and airline partnerships. Implementing self-service kiosks, biometric-based boarding, and digital check-ins can significantly enhance the passenger experience, including attracting Gen-Z travellers.
Rising operational costs: A post-pandemic reality
Implementation of automatic identity proof systems can help optimise workforce allocation
The pandemic has impacted not only public health but also the global economy, triggering a worldwide recession. Airports must balance operational efficiency with cost control. Staffing large-scale security and immigration checkpoints requires substantial resources, making manual processes increasingly unsustainable in the long run.
The implementation of automated identity verification systems can help optimise workforce allocation, reduce operational costs, and contribute to organic growth.
Human error: A persistent weak spot
Traditional identity verification methods are vulnerable to human factors. Manual errors in ticketing, immigration control, and security checks can lead to security breaches, misidentification of passengers, and misplaced baggage.
Facial biometrics, in turn, mitigates these risks, while ensuring accurate and consistent identity verification at every touchpoint.
Bottlenecks in tourist attractions
Efficient and modern airport skills attract visitors and contribute to a country’s economic growth
Airports play a crucial role in a country’s tourism industry. Efficient and modern airport facilities attract international travellers and contribute to a country’s economic growth as every flight creates more jobs and trade.
A seamless airport experience enabled by biometric solutions enhances a country's appeal as a travel destination.
Sustainability and the Net Zero challenge
Sustainability is a growing priority for the aviation sector. Airports are investing in green initiatives to minimise their carbon footprint in alignment with Net Zero 2050 commitment. However, traditional airport processes, including paper-based check-ins and excessive energy consumption, conflict with sustainability goals.
By integrating biometric solutions, airports can transition toward paperless travel, reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly operations. Additionally, efficient passenger processing leads to reduced energy usage in terminals, contributing to overall sustainability objectives.
Why facial biometrics?
Automated biometric boarding can cut processing times by up to 50%, leading to a smoother
Facial biometric technology is revolutionising airport operations by offering a secure, fast, and contactless method of identity verification. APAC is pioneering this transformation, with numerous airports integrating biometric solutions to streamline passenger processing.
For example, 28 major Indian airports, including Bengaluru, Varanasi, Delhi, and Mumbai, have adopted facial recognition systems. Now facial recognition covers nearly 90% of the country’s domestic air travel. Automated biometric boarding can cut processing times by up to 50%, leading to a smoother, more efficient travel experience. Additionally, Singapore’s Changi Airport has integrated biometric technology to streamline its immigration process, allowing passengers to clear immigration in as little as 10 seconds.
Facial recognition technology
Facial biometrics is not just about speed and convenience. It also plays a crucial role in enhancing airport security. The technology eliminates risks associated with identity fraud, and unauthorised access. Traditional passport and boarding pass verification can be forged or misplaced, whereas biometric identification offers a tamper-proof alternative, ensuring that passengers are accurately identified at every checkpoint.
Moreover, facial recognition technology significantly reduces reliance on manual processes. Automated verification streamlines passenger movement, freeing up airport staff to focus on more critical tasks, such as security monitoring and customer assistance. This efficiency translates into reduced operational costs and better resource allocation, allowing airports to operate more smoothly.
APAC airports are leveraging facial biometrics to:
- Reduce security checkpoint wait times
- Enhance border control efficiency
- Minimise human error in identity verification
- Improve passenger experience with seamless, contactless processing
- Enable self-service options for check-in and baggage drop-off
- Optimise workforce deployment by reducing reliance on manual verification
- Strengthen security by mitigating risks associated with fraudulent identification
- Support sustainability efforts by reducing paper waste, energy consumption, and overall resource usage
Biometric technology
Airports in the APAC region remain at the forefront of its implementation
As biometric technology continues to evolve, airports in the APAC region remain at the forefront of its implementation. According to recent data from SITA, 70% of global airlines are expected to adopt biometric identification by 2026, with an increasing number of airports integrating these solutions into their operational frameworks.
This proactive adoption underscores APAC’s commitment to innovation, security, and passenger-centric airport experiences.
Balancing privacy and security
Despite its benefits, facial biometrics raises concerns about data privacy and security. Passengers are increasingly aware of how their personal data is collected, stored, and used. The potential risks of data breaches and misuse require airports and governing bodies to establish stringent data protection measures and clear communication strategies.
To address these concerns, airports and regulatory bodies must ensure:
- Compliance with global and regional data protection regulations, such as GDPR, India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, etc.
- Secure encryption of biometric data to prevent breaches and unauthorised access
- Transparent communication about data collection, storage, and retention policies
- Implementation of consent-based biometric enrolment, allowing passengers to opt in or out of facial recognition programs
Several airports in APAC have successfully implemented privacy-by-design principles, ensuring that biometric data is stored temporarily and automatically deleted post-use. These measures help reinforce passenger trust and compliance with data protection laws.
To sum up: The time to invest in biometrics is now
As the APAC aviation industry continues its rapid expansion, airports are to adopt innovative solutions to manage increased passenger volumes efficiently and stay ahead. Facial biometrics is not just a technology — it’s a strategic enabler of security, passenger experience, and overall operational efficiency.
While privacy concerns must be responsibly addressed, the advantages of biometric-enabled travel far outweigh the risks. The future of air travel in APAC will be defined by digital transformation, where facial recognition, AI-driven security, and automation play a pivotal role in creating safe, efficient, and passenger-friendly airport experiences.
For industry pioneers responsible for overseeing airport operations, ensuring aviation security, and integrating digital solutions, the message is clear: the time to invest in biometric technology is now. The APAC region is setting a global benchmark for the future of seamless, technology-driven air travel — airports that act now will emerge as industry pioneers.