New ICAO Plan to Launch Digital Travel ID, Eliminate Traditional Check-In

April 15, 2025 — The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is preparing to launch a global digital travel credential that could make traditional boarding passes and passports a thing of the past. The initiative, expected to be rolled out over the next two to three years, will enable passengers to travel using just their face and smartphone.

The new system will rely on facial recognition technology and a secure, smartphone-based “journey pass” that stores a traveller’s passport and travel details digitally. The move is aimed at streamlining the airport experience, eliminating the need for physical document checks at baggage drop, security, and boarding gates.

Seamless Travel with Digital Identity

Under the new model, passengers will:

• Store passport details securely on their mobile devices
• Receive a digital travel pass when booking their flight
• Use facial recognition at all airport checkpoints instead of showing ID or boarding passes

ICAO, a specialized United Nations agency responsible for global aviation standards, is spearheading the initiative in partnership with technology providers, including Amadeus.

Airports to Undergo Technological Upgrades

To implement this system worldwide, airports will need to upgrade infrastructure to include:

• Facial recognition systems at key checkpoints
• Digital passport readers compatible with smartphones
• Real-time integration between airlines, immigration, and airport systems

ICAO believes the changes will not only reduce wait times but also significantly improve passenger flow and efficiency at airports globally.

Real-Time Travel Updates

The digital journey pass is expected to improve how disruptions are handled. In cases of delays or gate changes, passengers will receive automatic notifications on their phones, eliminating the need to visit help desks or print updated boarding passes.

Data Privacy and Security Measures

Despite the promising benefits, the shift toward biometric identification has raised concerns over data privacy and security. Privacy advocates have questioned the storage and handling of sensitive personal data such as facial scans.

ICAO and its partners have assured the public that stringent data protection standards will be enforced. Facial recognition data, for instance, will be deleted within 15 seconds of use, and all systems will comply with international privacy regulations.

The Future of Air Travel

If successful, ICAO’s digital travel credential could mark a major milestone in aviation history — creating a fully digital, paperless air travel experience. Authorities say the system is designed not just for convenience but also to enhance safety and reliability in global travel.

The project is currently in development and expected to begin phased implementation within the next two to three years.