The group is seeking a regulatory approach for more efficient and convenient air travel. The coalition also supports safeguards for the responsible use of biometric technologies.
Biometrics and European travel
The EU Digital Omnibus aims to simplify Europe’s digital rulebook and support innovation. The proposal also seeks to strengthen European competitiveness while maintaining data protection and cybersecurity standards. According to the coalition, the legislation could create unintended restrictions on voluntary biometric use. The group wants passengers to retain the ability to choose biometric travel options.
Biometric technologies can reduce repeated manual document checks during passenger journeys. The coalition said verification can increase passenger throughput and improve airport passenger flows. These systems can also help airports use existing terminal infrastructure more efficiently.
Airports can manage peak periods and traffic growth while allocating staff more effectively. The coalition said staff could focus on passengers requiring assistance or additional attention.
According to the coalition, these benefits can support airport connectivity and technology innovation across Europe. The group also said clear regulation can encourage continued investment in biometric technologies. It called for technology-neutral rules governing voluntary biometric data use with appropriate safeguards. The coalition also wants passengers to retain non-biometric alternatives.
Privacy and passenger choice
The coalition said biometric travel should include strong protections for passenger privacy. Passengers should also retain the ability to choose whether they share their biometric data. The group said passengers should be able to request deletion of their data at any time. According to the coalition, biometric solutions should remain voluntary and secure. Their use should also remain limited to a defined journey.
The coalition cited findings from IATA’s Global Passenger Survey. The research found that 74% of surveyed travellers would share biometric data instead of passports or boarding passes.
Coalition publishes European biometrics manifesto
The coalition has published the Advancing Responsible Biometrics in Europe manifesto. The document outlines industry commitments and calls for regulatory action on biometric travel.
“EU policymakers have the opportunity to put Europe in the global lead on biometric regulation. The benefits of the latest technologies are clear: they can protect passenger data privacy and open a more seamless and efficient travel process. This will enhance the region’s overall competitiveness. At the same time, biometric journeys should always be based on passenger choice and voluntary participation.
Today we are publishing a manifesto that cements industry commitments to responsible use of biometrics and sets out a regulatory call for action to adopt rules that facilitate a secure and seamless future for more than a billion European air travellers each year,” the Coalition said.
The coalition includes senior representatives from each participating organization. These representatives are Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI Europe, and Fernando Cuesta, Senior Vice President, Industry Affairs Global Development, Amadeus. The group also includes Thomas Reynaert, Senior Vice President, External Affairs, IATA. Lisa Shoemaker serves as Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations, IDEMIA Public Security. Pedro Alves serves as Senior Vice President, Borders, SITA.
The manifesto calls for greater public-private dialogue on biometric technologies. The initiative aims to address growing passenger volumes and limited airport capacity. It also addresses competitiveness across Europe’s transport and tourism sectors.
The coalition seeks greater legal clarity around biometric data use. It said clearer rules could support responsible deployment of technologies benefiting travellers. Coalition members plan to provide practical insights to policymakers and regulators. They also support continued cooperation between industry and public authorities. The coalition said such cooperation can maintain European privacy and fundamental rights standards while supporting future travel innovation.
Tags: ACI Europe, Amadeus, IATA, IDEMIA Public Security SITA
