Dubai International Unveils Biometric Path
Emirates’ initiative enables customers to experience a contactless travel journey through the airport
The integrated ‘biometric path’ has officially come to Dubai International Airport. First announced in 2018 by Emirates, the project has taken on a new importance with the onset of COVID-19, reducing human interaction at check-in and immigration and enabling customers to experience a contactless travel journey through the airport.
According to Emirates, a mix of facial and iris recognition technology means passengers can now “check in for their flight, complete immigration formalities, enter the Emirates Lounge, and board their flights, simply by strolling through the airport.”
Emirates has installed biometric touchpoints at selected economy, business and first class check-in desks in Terminal 3, as well as at boarding gates, the carrier’s lounge entrance in Concourse B, and within the ‘smart tunnel’ at immigration gates. Last month 16 self-service check-in and bag drop kiosks were also added at Dubai International’s Terminal 3.
The carrier says that areas where biometric equipment are in operation will be “clearly marked,” adding that additional units will be installed at each touchpoint in the future.
Emirates said that it is also the first carrier outside America to receive approval for biometric boarding from the US Customs Border Protection. Customers flying from Dubai to US destinations can now choose facial recognition technology at the departure gates.
“Now it is more vital than before to make use of technology and implement products, and introduce processes that focuses not only on fast tracking customers, but more importantly on health and safety during their travel journey,” said Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ chief operating officer. “The state-of-the-art, contactless biometric path is the latest in a series of initiatives we have introduced to make sure that traveling on Emirates is a seamless journey and gives customers added peace of mind.”
