Industry coalition urges EU to support voluntary biometric travel
A new travel industry coalition is urging EU lawmakers to ensure the Digital Omnibus legislation enables voluntary biometric use with strong privacy safeguards, warning the rules could otherwise restrict a technology proven to improve airport flows.
A coalition of major aviation and technology bodies is calling on European Union policymakers to ensure forthcoming digital legislation supports the voluntary and secure use of biometrics for air travel. The group warns the EU's proposed Digital Omnibus could unintentionally restrict this technology despite its benefits for passenger throughput and airport efficiency.
The Responsible Biometrics Travel Industry Coalition, formed by ACI EUROPE, Amadeus, IATA, IDEMIA Public Security, and SITA, urges the adoption of technology-neutral rules. These rules must allow voluntary biometric use with appropriate safeguards and always provide a non-biometric alternative for passengers. The Digital Omnibus legislation aims to simplify the EU's digital regulatory framework, encourage innovation, and maintain high cybersecurity and data protection standards.
Manifesto outlines responsible biometrics framework
The coalition has published a manifesto titled 'Advancing Responsible Biometrics in Europe'. It outlines industry commitments to a responsible framework where biometric use is voluntary, secure, and limited to a defined journey. The document aims to promote greater legal clarity around biometric data to facilitate responsible deployment.
It also seeks to strengthen public-private dialogue. The manifesto supports a secure, efficient, and passenger-centric travel experience.
Industry highlights benefits and safeguards
Coalition members emphasize that biometric verification increases airport throughput and improves passenger flows. The technology helps airports use existing terminal infrastructure more efficiently. It reduces repeated manual document checks, making travel more seamless for passengers while delivering operational benefits for airports and airlines.
Biometrics also help airports better manage peak periods and traffic growth. This allows staff to focus on passengers who need assistance. The coalition insists these benefits must go hand in hand with strong protections for passenger privacy and choice.
Passengers must be able to choose whether to use biometric solutions and have control over their data. Research cited by the coalition found that 74% of travelers surveyed were willing to share biometric data in place of showing a passport or boarding pass, according to IATA’s Global Passenger Survey.
Coalition unites key aviation and technology players
The coalition brings together senior figures from across the travel ecosystem. Its members provide practical insights and aim to engage directly with policymakers and regulators.
| Organization | Representative | Key Scope |
|---|---|---|
| ACI EUROPE | Olivier Jankovec, Director General | Represents over 600 airports in 55 countries, facilitating over 95% of Europe's commercial air traffic. |
| Amadeus | Fernando Cuesta, SVP Industry Affairs Global Development | An IBEX 35 company with a workforce spanning more than 150 nationalities. |
| IATA | Thomas Reynaert, SVP External Affairs | Represents over 370 airlines accounting for roughly 85% of global air traffic. |
| IDEMIA Public Security | Lisa Shoemaker, SVP Corporate Relations | Provides government-grade biometric solutions for 600 government agencies worldwide. |
| SITA | Pedro Alves, SVP Borders | Supports over 1,000 airports and more than 19,600 aircraft, helping over 70 governments manage borders. |
Broader context: travel demand and sustainability goals
The push for efficient travel technology comes against a backdrop of significant economic activity and environmental commitments. Air transport supports 14 million jobs in Europe, generating €851 billion in economic activity, or 5% of the region's GDP.
In June 2019, ACI EUROPE members committed to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions for operations under their control by 2050, without offsetting. The coalition argues that a clear regulatory framework for biometrics can encourage continued investment and enable European technology companies to innovate and scale trusted solutions. These benefits boost Europe’s competitiveness by promoting efficient, well-connected airports.
The Coalition said: "EU policymakers have the opportunity to put Europe in the global lead on biometric regulation." It also stated, "Today we are publishing a manifesto that cements industry commitments to responsible use of biometrics." The group believes continued collaboration between industry and public authorities is essential to maintain high privacy standards while enabling future innovation for more than a billion European air travellers each year. The coalition is calling on EU policymakers to ensure the Digital Omnibus actively supports the voluntary and secure use of biometrics in travel.
