Air travel groups form new coalition focused on biometric passenger journeys in Europe
Five organisations in the aviation and travel technology sector announced the formation of the Responsible Biometrics Travel Industry Coalition on October 1, 2026. The new group includes ACI EUROPE, Amadeus, IATA, IDEMIA Public Security and SITA.
The coalition is asking European Union policymakers to ensure that upcoming digital legislation allows passengers to use biometric identification voluntarily while maintaining safeguards for privacy and passenger choice.
Coalition focuses on biometric checks at airports
The organisations argue that biometric verification can reduce repeated manual document checks during a journey and improve passenger flows through airports. They also say the technology could help airports handle peak periods and increasing passenger numbers with existing terminal infrastructure.
The coalition specifically states that participation in biometric journeys should remain voluntary and that passengers should retain a choice over whether to use the technology.
The initiative does not create new EU rules
The announcement is an industry initiative rather than a change to European law. The coalition is seeking changes or clarification as EU policymakers work on the Digital Omnibus, which is intended to simplify parts of Europe's digital regulatory framework.
The group also published a manifesto calling for greater legal clarity around biometric data and dialogue between governments and private companies about the technology's use in travel.
