IATA's directory simplifies airline access to biometrics
The Directory will power a matchmaking service to help airlines identify and offer contactless travel at specific airports, including with their partner airlines.
Contactless travel uses interoperable biometric solutions to enable travellers to move through the travel process without relying on paper documentation such as passports or boarding passes.
Parts of the travel process that could be made more efficient with contactless travel include bag drop, lounge access, security access, security screening and boarding.
Key features of the Contactless Travel Directory include:
A single reference point for airlines to determine the availability of biometric travel touchpoints across their network.
Traveller eligibility information by location, so airlines know which travellers (nationality, passport compatibility, and age) will be eligible for contactless services using biometric identification.
Technical protocols airlines need to connect with other airline or airport biometric touchpoints.
'The release of the Contactless Travel Directory will make it easier for airlines to expand biometric service opportunities for their customers. As travelers expect ever greater efficiency, biometric recognition technology is taking on a growing role in facilitating travel. This Directory, along with IATA's One ID initiative, aims to accelerate that transition with critical data and global standards,' said Nick Careen, IATA's Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Security.
Digital services provider Airware, together with identity management providers IDEMIA and iPassport, will be the first to demonstrate the use of the Directory.
At this year's Passenger Terminal Expo, taking place in Madrid this week, delegates will be able to enrol during check in for fictitious flights between the UK and Spain using the WorldJet Airline App, then pass through the biometric touchpoints at both Airware's and IDEMIA's booths, as one would in a real airport.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
29-07-2025
- Gulf Insider
Oman Passport Offers Visa-free Travel to 88 Countries
Oman has jumped four places to 56th in the Henley Passport Index in the first half of 2025, based on several destinations including China and Russia, recently announcing visa exemption for Omanis, according to an official data from International Air Transport Association (IATA). Oman was ranked 60th in the 2024 rankings when its citizens could travel visa-free to 86 countries. Now, Omanis can travel to 88 countries with visa-free travel access. The index is powered by Timetric data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the ranks of all passports based on a number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. In May, China exempted nationals from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain from needing entry visas starting next month, expanding visa-free coverage to all states in the Gulf Cooperation Council following a similar move with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar back in 2018. Oman and Russia signed a mutual visa exemption agreement for short-term visits, which took effect on July 18, 2025. Omanis can travel without visa to Albania, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Botswana, Brunei, Colombia, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, Georgia, Haiti, Hong Kong, Iran, Russia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Armenia,Malaysia, Mauritius, Micronesia, Pakistan, Philippines, Serbia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Cayman Islands, Suriname, Tajikistan, Syria, Türkiye,Turks, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu and Zambia, Macao, Thailand, Tunisia, Caicos Islands, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. Omanis can also get visa on arrival in Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Ethiopia, Maldives, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Nepal, Nicaragua, Palau Islands, Paraguay, Rwanda, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Tuvalu and Yemen. Omanis should obtain E-visa to visit Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameron, Congo, EquatorialGuinea, Cuba, Gabon, Guinea, India, Liberia, Mauritania, Moldova, Montserrat, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, South Africa, Taiwan, Togo, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Vietnam. Omanis also should obtain an electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to Kenya, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, ST Kitts and Nevis and the United Kingdom. Also read: Oman Sets Minimum Periodic Bonuses For Omani Workers In Private Sector
Gulf Insider
24-07-2025
- Gulf Insider
Singapore Remains Most Powerful Passport as US and UK
Asian countries continue to lead global mobility, with Singapore holding its position as the world's most powerful passport, while the United States and United Kingdom experience long-term declines, according to the 2025 Henley Passport Index released Tuesday. Singapore passport holders can travel visa-free or with visa on arrival to 193 destinations worldwide, the highest number of any passport. Japan and South Korea share second place with access to 190 destinations, reinforcing Asia's dominance in international travel freedom. The United Kingdom, which ranked first in 2015, has dropped to sixth place, offering visa-free access to 186 destinations. The United States has fallen to tenth place, with visa-free or visa on arrival access to 182 destinations. The index, compiled by Henley & Partners using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), highlights the declining mobility of traditional Western powers. 'The consolidation we're seeing at the top underscores that access is earned and must be maintained through active and strategic diplomacy,' said Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners and creator of the index. 'Countries that neglect global engagement are losing ground.' Seven European Union countries — Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain — share third place, each providing visa-free access to 189 destinations. Another seven European nations — Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden — share fourth place with 188 destinations. Emerging economies are among the fastest risers. India has jumped eight places in six months to 77th, adding two new visa-free destinations to reach 59. Saudi Arabia gained four new visa waivers, rising four places to 54th, with access to 91 destinations. The United Arab Emirates continues its rapid ascent, ranking eighth globally — the highest position ever for a Gulf nation. Over the past decade, the UAE climbed 34 places, from 42nd to 8th, thanks to strategic diplomacy and reciprocal visa agreements. China has also risen 34 places over the past decade to 60th place, despite not yet gaining visa-free access to the European Schengen Area. Beijing has expanded visa-free access to 75 countries in 2025, up from fewer than 20 five years ago. This includes visa-free entry for all Gulf Cooperation Council countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE – as well as several Latin American nations including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. These moves are part of China's broader strategy to strengthen bilateral ties and boost tourism and trade. These developments also influence the Henley Passport Power Index, which ranks passports based on the percentage of global GDP their holders can access visa-free. While over 80 countries have improved their rankings by at least 10 places over the past decade, only 16 countries have declined. Venezuela experienced the sharpest fall, dropping 15 places to 45th. The United States fell eight places, and the United Kingdom declined five. 'This is part of a broader reordering,' said Henley CEO Dr. Juerg Steffen, noting rising demand from Americans and British nationals for second citizenship and residency options. 'Your passport is no longer just a travel document – it reflects your country's global relationships,' Steffen said. 'As geopolitical uncertainty grows, citizens of historically dominant nations are reassessing their mobility options.' The Henley Passport Index, first published in 2006, is widely regarded as a leading benchmark for passport strength and international travel freedom, used by governments, investors, and migration experts. Also read: Singapore Leads With 230% Surge In Bahrain Passenger Numbers
Gulf Insider
24-07-2025
- Gulf Insider
UAE Passport Ranks as 8th Most Powerful Globally
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its position among the world's most powerful passports, climbing to 8th place in the 2025 Henley Passport Index – a remarkable rise from 42nd a decade ago that reflects the country's expanding diplomatic reach and visa liberalisation efforts. UAE passport holders can now travel to 185 destinations without a prior visa, making it the highest-ranked Middle Eastern nation and the only major riser to break into the global Top 10 in recent years. The Henley Passport Index, which is compiled from exclusive travel data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), shows an increasing shift in global mobility power towards Asia and the Gulf region, with emerging economies making steady gains as traditional Western powers experience declines. 'The UAE stands out as a model of strategic diplomacy,' said Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners. 'Its rise reflects years of consistent efforts to build reciprocal visa agreements.' Singapore – 193 destinations Japan, South Korea – 190 France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, Denmark, Ireland – 189 Sweden, Netherlands, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway – 188 Greece, Switzerland, New Zealand – 187 United Kingdom – 186 Malta – 185 United Arab Emirates – 185 Czechia – 184 United States, Canada, Australia, Hungary – 182 Alongside the UAE's gains, Saudi Arabia has added four new visa-free destinations in 2025, increasing its total to 91 and lifting it four places to 54th. China has also significantly expanded its visa openness, now granting visa-free entry to 75 countries, including all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, various South American nations, and some European states — helping boost mobility for GCC citizens. India has climbed eight spots to 77th, while China ranks 60th, both among the fastest risers in recent years. By contrast, the United States has slipped to 10th place, offering visa-free access to 182 destinations, its lowest ranking in two decades. The United Kingdom now ranks 6th, down from first place in 2015. Other countries experiencing declines include Venezuela, which fell 15 places to 45th, and Canada, which dropped four spots. 'Passport power increasingly reflects active diplomacy and global engagement. Citizens from traditional powers like the US and UK are seeking alternative citizenship and residence options amid rising geopolitical uncertainty,' said Steffen. Also read: Singapore Remains Most Powerful Passport as US and UK Decline, UAE and Emerging Economies Rise
