Middle East airports expand AI, biometric technology

DUBAI, UAE (MNTV) — Airports across the Middle East are expanding the use of artificial intelligence and biometric technologies to streamline passenger processing, strengthen security and accommodate rising travel demand as regional passenger volumes are projected to reach nearly 240 million in 2026.

Major aviation hubs in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt are increasingly deploying digital identity systems that use facial recognition and other biometric tools to reduce manual document checks, shorten waiting times and improve operational efficiency.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), replacing traditional identity verification with biometric systems can reduce passenger processing times by as much as 40%, providing significant benefits for high-volume international airports.

Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest airport for international passengers, has introduced an AI-powered “Red Carpet” Smart Tunnel capable of processing more than 10 travelers simultaneously.

The UAE is also continuing work on the first phase of Al Maktoum International Airport, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2032. 

Authorities said the multibillion-dollar project has reached key construction milestones, with contracts worth about AED13 billion currently under implementation and preparations underway for additional projects valued at more than AED55 billion.

Dubai Airports Chief Operating Officer Majed Al Joker said continued investment in biometric and digital technologies is central to improving passenger movement and managing future growth across the airport network.

The planned Al Maktoum International Airport will incorporate AI-driven analytics to enhance passenger services and optimize terminal operations through a highly connected digital ecosystem.

At Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, facial recognition technology has already been introduced at five of nine passenger processing points. The UAE also plans to fully integrate the Emirates ID system with Smart Gates at all international airports by the end of 2026.

Several regional airlines are expanding the use of biometric technology. Emirates has installed more than 200 biometric boarding cameras at Dubai International Airport, enabling registered passengers to complete check-in, immigration, lounge access and boarding using facial recognition. 

Etihad Airways has also been testing AI-powered facial verification, while flydubai and Saudi carrier flynas are adding biometric features to self-service kiosks.

The latest airport technologies are expected to be showcased at the Airport Show in Dubai, which will bring together more than 150 exhibitors from over 30 countries to highlight innovations in passenger processing and airport modernization.

Industry forecasts indicate the global airport biometrics market will continue expanding rapidly over the coming years, with some estimates projecting it will exceed $276 billion by 2032.

Data from aviation technology company SITA shows that more than 43% of airports worldwide already use biometric boarding systems, while over half are expected to adopt comprehensive digital identity solutions within the next three years.

The Middle East remains among the world’s leading regions for biometric adoption, with more than 67% of passengers already using biometric systems and nearly half of airport processing points equipped with biometric technology, exceeding global averages.