Travel industry coalition urges EU to safeguard voluntary biometric journeys

ACI EUROPE, Amadeus, IATA, IDEMIA Public Security and SITA have formed the Responsible Biometrics Travel Industry Coalition, calling on EU policymakers to preserve voluntary biometric services as they simplify Europe’s digital regulations through the Digital Omnibus.

Announced on 1 October, the coalition argues that the legislative proposal could unintentionally restrict passengers’ use of biometrics. It is seeking technology-neutral rules that allow biometric verification with appropriate safeguards, while ensuring that non-biometric alternatives remain available.

The group says reducing repeated passport and boarding-pass checks could improve passenger flows, help airports handle peak demand and make better use of existing terminal capacity. It cites IATA’s Global Passenger Survey, in which 74% of respondents said they would be willing to share biometric data instead of presenting a passport or boarding pass.

Its new Advancing Responsible Biometrics in Europe manifesto sets out commitments to voluntary participation, secure processing and use limited to a defined journey. The coalition also advocates passengers’ ability to request deletion of their data and greater legal clarity for operators deploying the technology. Members intend to engage with policymakers and regulators to balance operational benefits with privacy and fundamental rights.