Amadeus plans to acquire biometric identity specialist Idemia Public Security to strengthen airport passenger processing and support seamless digital travel experiences across the industry.
Amadeus has announced plans to acquire biometric identity specialist Idemia Public Security in a €1.2 billion deal aimed at strengthening airport passenger processing and digital identity capabilities across the travel ecosystem.
The proposed acquisition forms part of Amadeus’ broader strategy to expand biometric technology integration across airports, airlines, border systems and hospitality operations.
Amadeus biometric acquisition targets seamless airport passenger journeys
According to the company, the deal will strengthen its position in airport and border technology while supporting development of more seamless and automated passenger journeys.
The acquisition follows Amadeus’ 2024 purchase of Vision-Box, a company specialising in biometric passenger processing solutions used across airports and border control environments.
Amadeus stated that the integration of biometric identity systems with airline, airport and border technologies could help accelerate automation throughout the travel journey, from booking and check in to security screening and boarding.
The company said biometric identity verification enables faster passenger processing while improving operational efficiency and security.
The acquisition would also expand Amadeus’ presence across airport and border operations, increasing its ability to connect multiple passenger touchpoints within a single travel ecosystem.
Luis Maroto, President and Chief Executive Officer of Amadeus, described biometrics as one of the most transformative technologies shaping the future of travel.
He said the acquisition supports the company’s long-term platform strategy and broader ambition to improve the passenger experience through reduced friction and increased automation.
Decius Valmorbida, President of Travel at Amadeus, added that digital and physical identity integration will become increasingly important as airports and airlines continue adopting AI driven technologies.
Idemia Public Security currently employs approximately 3,300 staff globally and serves more than 600 public and private sector customers.
Beyond airport and border applications, the company also provides identity verification technologies for secure access control and government-related biometric systems.
The proposed deal reflects wider investment across the aviation sector in biometric identity technology as airports seek to improve operational resilience, increase passenger throughput and reduce congestion.
Biometric systems are increasingly being deployed globally to support self-service processing, automated border controls and touchless passenger journeys.
For airports, these technologies are becoming central to long-term digital transformation strategies focused on improving efficiency and enhancing passenger experience while managing rising travel demand.
The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, with completion expected during mid-2027.
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