How biometrics could ease pressure on airports
What connected identity systems could mean for passenger flow
Why it matters
- Passenger growth is straining existing airport infrastructure
- Faster identity checks can reduce airport congestion
- Trust and privacy will shape biometric adoption
A recent Transport Security International article explores how biometrics and AI could improve passenger processing, with insights from Leidos CTO Seth Abrams.
Global air travel continues to reach record levels, placing unprecedented pressure on airport infrastructure. Rather than relying solely on terminal expansions, airports and border agencies are adopting biometric technologies and AI to improve passenger flow, automate identity verification and reduce congestion.
What airport leaders can take from biometric expansion
- Modernization does not always require expansion. Digital processing can increase capacity within existing airport infrastructure.
- Biometrics cannot operate in isolation. Identity systems must connect securely with passenger processing and wider airport operations.
- Every use case requires different trade-offs. Speed, accuracy, security, privacy and passenger acceptance must be considered together.
The next phase of airport modernization will depend on connecting identity management, passenger processing and airport operations within a secure, interoperable ecosystem. Leidos applies decades of experience with government agencies, airports and airlines to evaluate technologies such as biometric eGates and remote baggage screening and integrate them into broader airport operations.
Biometrics and artificial intelligence have the potential to create a more seamless experience for travelers while helping governments, airlines and airports maintain strong security standards.
Seth Abrams
VP, CTO Airports Borders & Security, Leidos
As airports continue investing in digital identity and AI-enabled operations, success will depend on balancing efficiency, security and privacy. From check-in and bag drop to security screening and boarding, integrated biometric systems could create a more connected, adaptable and resilient airport experience.
Three things to remember
- Biometrics and AI can increase throughput without compromising identity verification
- Connected identity systems can reduce friction across the passenger journey
- Trusted integration will determine the future of biometric travel
