Amadeus Drives Biometrics, AI, Digital ID
Amadeus is accelerating the integration of biometrics, AI and digital identity at airports, citing 50% biometrics use in 2025 and 85% passenger satisfaction. The company promotes a decentralized data model and interoperability across touchpoints, aiming to replace paper documents with digital wallets and AI-enabled services.
Amadeus is pushing biometrics, AI and digital identity to airports, reporting that 50% of travellers used biometrics at airports in 2025 and 85% of those users were satisfied. The company argues that combining these technologies can remove friction from the passenger journey and create a seamless digital identity layer.
Biometrics in the Airport Journey
Biometrics offers instant identity verification at borders, gates and lounges, eliminating the need for passports or boarding passes. IATA’s Global Passenger Survey (GPS) shows that 50% of travellers used biometrics at airports in 2025, up from 2024, and 85% of users were satisfied. The survey also found that 74% of passengers would share biometric data if it meant avoiding passport checks, while 42% of those reluctant to share could be persuaded if privacy was assured.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Biometrics usage at airports (2025) | 50% |
| Satisfaction of users | 85% |
| Willingness to share biometrics if passport avoided | 74% |
| Reluctant to share biometrics | 42% |
Amadeus adopts a decentralized approach: the traveller keeps biometric data in a mobile app, shares it with consent at a touchpoint, and the data is deleted immediately after use. This model aims to build trust and meet regulatory requirements.
Digital Identity and Privacy
Digital identity wallets provide certified credentials that can be stored on a smartphone. The European Union is mandating digital wallets for 80% of its population by 2030, and Amadeus is a partner in the EU Digital Identity Wallet Consortium Large Scale pilot. Other jurisdictions, such as India’s Digital Yatra, are also developing travel-focused digital identity solutions.
Passengers are increasingly looking for a single app that combines a digital wallet, passport and loyalty cards. The IATA survey found that 78% of travellers want such a one-stop-shop on their smartphone. This demand underscores the need for interoperability across airlines, airports and regulatory bodies.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Passengers wanting smartphone app with wallet, passport, loyalty cards | 78% |
| EU target for digital wallet adoption by 2030 | 80% |
Amadeus’s proof-of-concept allowed passengers to store identity documents and biometric profiles in a digital wallet for a multi-leg, multi-airport, multi-airline journey, fully replacing paper documentation. Other pilots included accepting different digital wallets for the same departure and using an airline-branded wallet.
Interoperability Across Touchpoints
Successful mass adoption requires coordination across all touchpoints, often owned by different entities. Amadeus stresses that data must be shared responsibly across interoperable systems in real time while complying with privacy regulations. The EU and Indian wallets use global digital travel credential standards, which will enable interoperability at scale.
Passengers are also interested in a connected journey. The IATA survey indicates that 78% of travellers want an app that combines digital identity, loyalty and booking functions, confirming demand for products built on biometrics, digital identity and AI.
AI Enhancing the Experience
AI powers biometric systems through computer vision and machine learning, improving accuracy and speed. Beyond matching, AI can use trusted identity signals to understand a traveller’s position in the journey and deliver personalized, real-time support. When biometrics confirm identity, digital identity anchors the interaction, and AI interprets the signals to make decisions instantly, turning identity checks into enablers of smoother flows.
Biometrics Beyond the Border
Amadeus has also worked with MSC Cruises at PortMiami. Guests can register for the MSC For Me app, enrol for biometrics, and benefit from remote check-in, improving the embarkation experience.
The industry is moving toward responsible biometrics, with Amadeus emphasising optional use, privacy, and continuous oversight. As the ecosystem matures, the promise of a frictionless, secure, and personalised passenger journey becomes increasingly tangible.
Source: Airport Industry-News