ACI EUROPE, Amadeus, IATA, IDEMIA Public Security and SITA have launched a coalition urging EU policymakers to protect voluntary biometric travel within the Digital Omnibus.
ACI EUROPE, Amadeus, IATA, IDEMIA Public Security and SITA have announced the formation of the Responsible Biometrics Travel Industry Coalition, calling on EU policymakers to ensure the Digital Omnibus supports the voluntary and secure use of biometrics in travel while protecting passenger choice and privacy.
Announced in Brussels on 1 October 2026, the coalition is seeking a balanced regulatory approach that enables a more efficient and convenient experience for air passengers while maintaining strong safeguards around the responsible use of biometric technologies.
The operational case for biometrics at European airports
The Digital Omnibus is intended to simplify Europe’s digital rulebook, support innovation and strengthen competitiveness, while preserving high standards of data protection and cybersecurity. The coalition said, however, that the legislative proposal could place unintended restrictions on the voluntary use of biometrics by passengers across Europe.
The coalition argues that biometrics make travel more seamless for passengers and deliver operational benefits for airports and airlines. By reducing repeated manual document checks, biometric verification increases throughput, improves passenger flows and helps airports use existing terminal infrastructure more efficiently. The coalition added that the technology helps airports manage peak periods and traffic growth, allowing staff to focus on passengers who need assistance or additional attention.
It said a clear regulatory framework could encourage continued investment and enable European technology companies to innovate and scale trusted solutions in their home market. It is calling for the Digital Omnibus to adopt technology-neutral rules that allow the voluntary use of biometric data, where appropriate safeguards are in place, and offer passengers non-biometric alternatives.
Biometric solutions should be voluntary, secure and limited to a defined journey, the coalition said, with passengers able to choose whether to share their data or request its deletion at any time. It cited IATA’s Global Passenger Survey, which found that 74 per cent of passengers surveyed were willing to share biometric data in place of showing a passport or boarding pass.
The coalition said:
“EU policymakers have the opportunity to put Europe in the global lead on biometric regulation. The benefits of the latest technologies are clear: they can protect passenger data privacy and open a more seamless and efficient travel process. This will enhance the region’s overall competitiveness. At the same time, biometric journeys should always be based on passenger choice and voluntary participation.
Today we are publishing a manifesto that cements industry commitments to responsible use of biometrics and sets out a regulatory call for action to adopt rules that facilitate a secure and seamless future for more than a billion European air travellers each year.”
The coalition includes senior representatives from each member organisation: Olivier Jankovec, Director General, ACI EUROPE; Fernando Cuesta, Senior Vice President, Industry Affairs Global Development, Amadeus; Thomas Reynaert, Senior Vice President, External Affairs, IATA; Lisa Shoemaker, Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations, IDEMIA Public Security; and Pedro Alves, Senior Vice President, Borders, SITA.
The Advancing Responsible Biometrics in Europe manifesto sets out what the coalition describes as a balanced, evidence-based approach to biometric technologies. It aims to support public-private dialogue to help Europe respond to growing passenger volumes and limited airport capacity, while strengthening the competitiveness of its transport and tourism sectors, and to promote greater legal clarity around the use of biometric data.
The coalition said continued collaboration between industry and public authorities will be essential to maintaining Europe’s high standards of privacy and fundamental rights while enabling future innovation in travel.
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