Emirates introduces biometric screening at Dubai airport

Emirates' passengers at Dubai airport can pass through with limited human interaction.

Passengers are now able to pass through Dubai International Airport with almost zero human interaction.

In a bid to cut contact points, flag carrier Emirates has launched an ‘integrated biometric path’ which uses a mix of facial and iris technology meaning Emirates' passengers can check-in, pass through immigration, enter the Emirates lounge and board their flight by simply strolling through the airport.

Biometric touch points have been installed at First, Business and Economy Class check-in desks in Terminal 3 at Dubai airport, Emirates’ premium lounge entrance at concourse B and at selected boarding gates.

And immigration gates now feature a ‘smart tunnel’, a world-first project resulting from a collaboration between the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai and Emirates. Passengers simply walk through the tunnel and can be ‘cleared’ by immigration authorities without the need for human interaction or a passport stamp.

The airline has also introduced self-check-in and bag drop kiosks to reduce human contact points.

“It is more vital than ever to make use of technology and implement products and introduce processes that focus not only on fast-tracking customers, but more importantly on health and safety during their travel journey,” said Emirates’ chief operating officer Adel Al Redha. “The state-of-the-art, contactless biometric path is the latest in a series of initiatives we have introduced to make sure that travelling on Emirates is a seamless journey and gives customers added peace of mind.”

Other airports to have reduced human contact points include Hong Kong which is currently trialling facial recognition technology, Heathrow which is testing contact-free security screening equipment Singapore's Changi airport which now uses iris and facial recognition technology.