IATA Launches Contactless Travel Directory to Accelerate Biometric Innovation in Aviation
(IN SHORT) IATA has introduced its Contactless Travel Directory to quickly expand contactless travel solutions by providing a centralized system for airlines. The Directory offers a single reference point, detailed traveler eligibility criteria, and essential technical protocols to support biometric identification across various travel stages—such as bag drop, lounge and security access, and boarding. Emphasizing the growing demand for efficiency through biometric technology, IATA’s Senior Vice President Nick Careen highlighted its role in advancing industry standards alongside the One ID initiative. A live demo at the Passenger Terminal Expo in Madrid will feature digital services from Airware, IDEMIA, and iPassport, allowing attendees to experience contactless travel through simulated flights.
(PRESS RELEASE) GENEVA, 2025-Apr-8 — /Travel PR News/ — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled its innovative Contactless Travel Directory, designed to rapidly scale and boost the adoption of contactless travel solutions across the globe. This comprehensive directory will serve as a central hub for matchmaking, enabling airlines to pinpoint and offer biometric-based travel services at specific airports and in collaboration with their partner carriers.
Contactless travel leverages interoperable biometric systems to allow seamless passenger movement through various stages of the travel process without the need for traditional paper documentation like passports or boarding passes. This technology can streamline key travel segments—including bag drop, lounge access, security screening, and boarding—making the overall journey more efficient and user-friendly.
Key features of the Contactless Travel Directory include:
Centralized Reference: A single point of contact for airlines to verify the availability of biometric touchpoints within their network.
Traveler Eligibility Information: Details by location that inform airlines about which passengers—based on nationality, passport compatibility, and age—can access contactless services via biometric identification.
Technical Protocols: The necessary guidelines and protocols for airlines to integrate with biometric touchpoints across other airlines and airports.
Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety, and Security, remarked, “The release of the Contactless Travel Directory will simplify the expansion of biometric service opportunities for airlines. With travelers demanding greater efficiency, biometric technology is increasingly essential for facilitating a smoother travel experience. Along with our One ID initiative, this Directory is a major step towards accelerating this industry transformation through critical data and global standards.”
In a live demonstration at this year’s Passenger Terminal Expo in Madrid, digital services provider Airware, along with identity management leaders IDEMIA and iPassport, will showcase the practical use of the Directory. Delegates can enroll via the WorldJet Airline App during check-in for simulated flights between the UK and Spain, and then experience the biometric touchpoints firsthand at both Airware’s and IDEMIA’s booths, mirroring a real airport experience.
For more information, please contact:
Corporate Communications
Tel: +41 22 770 2967
Email: corpcomms@iata.org
SOURCE: IATA
