“The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the aviation industry is ready to transition to contactless international travel, following successful digital identity Proofs of Concept (PoCs) conducted across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region”.
IATA has revealed that the trials demonstrated the viability of using biometric technology and digital identity systems to replace traditional paper-based travel documents.
The PoCs, carried out in collaboration with airlines, airports, governments, and technology providers, showed that passengers can move seamlessly through airport processes using secure digital identities stored in mobile wallets.
The initiative, developed under the IATA Strategic Partnerships Programme, tested how travellers could verify their identity biometrically and share necessary data ahead of travel – eliminating repeated document checks at multiple airport touchpoints.
According to IATA Director General, Willie Walsh, the trials confirmed that digital identity systems are both secure and efficient. He emphasised that the next step lies with governments accelerating the adoption of Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs), which are secure digital versions of passports.
The trials also demonstrated strong interoperability between systems, allowing passengers to travel across multiple airlines and airports using different digital identity platforms, including Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, as well as national programs like Digi Yatra.
IATA noted that travellers could securely share identity data in advance, complete pre-travel checks, and pass through airport checkpoints using biometric verification instead of physical passports or boarding passes. The system also allows a single digital identity to be reused throughout the journey, enabling a “tap-and-go” travel experience.
Key trials included routes operated by Japan Airlines, Air New Zealand, and IndiGo, demonstrating real-world applications of the technology across different travel scenarios.
Despite the progress, IATA stressed that global implementation will depend on coordinated government action. This includes establishing frameworks to issue DTCs, upgrading border systems to accept them, and ensuring scalability through international cooperation.
Walsh added that adopting digital identity in travel would enhance security, reduce airport congestion, and significantly improve passenger experience.
IATA, which represents over 360 airlines accounting for approximately 85 per cent of global air traffic, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital transformation in the aviation sector while maintaining accessibility through continued availability of paper-based options.