Integrating domestic and international departure passenger flows at airports using digital ID technology could lead to significant cost savings and operational efficiencies, according to a recent study from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in partnership with AtkinsRéalis.
Traditionally, airports have kept domestic and international departing passengers physically separated due to regulatory requirements and technological limitations. However, advancements in biometrics now allow for digital identification methods that can segregate these passenger flows without physical barriers or duplicated facilities.
“Regulatory requirements and technology limitations have meant that domestic and international departure passenger flows need to be physically separated at many airports. That’s no longer the case. Digital ID powered by biometrics can achieve the needed segregation without creating a physically separated flow with duplicated facilities which is inefficient and costly. The study shows that segregating passengers with digital ID will lead to a better travel experience for travelers, reduce costs for airports and airlines, and maintain security and border control requirements. It’s a compelling case for a much-needed modernization,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security.
The report identifies several key benefits of this approach:
– Improved passenger experience: Removing physical barriers simplifies journeys and shortens processing times. Minimum connection times could be reduced by nearly 20% due to increased efficiency.
– Cost savings: Airports, airlines, and ground handlers could see reductions in maintenance, operating, construction costs, as well as staffing expenses. For example, one major airport saw up to an 11% reduction in staff costs while another reported potential annual savings of $5.3 million.
– More efficient use of infrastructure: Shared terminal spaces would enable airports to accommodate more passengers within existing buildings.
– Sustainability: Consolidated facilities lower energy consumption and emissions from construction activities.
– Operational flexibility: Airports can better manage varying passenger volumes throughout the day by sharing resources between domestic and international operations.
Gareth Vest, UK&I Aviation Market Director at AtkinsRéalis stated: “The publication of this report is key in understanding how the concepts of digital identity and use of biometrics can play a significant role in improving passenger experience and creating substantial cost savings which will have benefits across the aviation sector. We have a strong working relationship with IATA and were delighted to work on this study, drawing on our own broad experience of integrating biometrics into the passenger journey.”
Careen further emphasized the financial impact: “The savings quickly add up. A medium-sized airport serving 10 million passengers annually could save up to $80 million of future capital expenditure and considerable annual operational savings through the removal of duplicate facilities and improved operational flexibility, while reducing its annual carbon footprint by 18,000 tonnes—the equivalent of removing 4,000 cars from the road for a year. The case for change is clear. Managing departing passengers with digital ID instead of physical barriers delivers efficiency, emission reductions, and a smoother experience for travelers.”
Implementation does not require immediate regulatory overhaul; initial steps such as shared terminal areas using biometric verification are possible within current frameworks if there is coordination among stakeholders including airports, airlines, and border authorities.
DIPIP (the initiative detailed in the report) proposes three stages—Baseline, Integrated, End-State—with full digitization ultimately allowing travelers to complete identity checks remotely before arriving at the airport.
“Collaboration is essential to unlocking the benefits of integrated passenger flows. Airports, airlines, and governments each have a role to play. By working together within existing frameworks and progressively modernizing them we can deliver seamless, secure, and efficient travel for passengers while maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance,” said Careen.
