Picture of the Week: Miami International Airport launches largest automated passport screening deployment in the US

Credit: Miami International Airport (MIA)

Miami International Airport (MIA) has launched the largest single deployment of automated passport screening in the U.S., introducing U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP). The initiative uses SITA Smart Path technology to provide faster and more secure arrivals for U.S. citizens. MIA, in collaboration with CBP, is among several U.S. airports implementing EPP this year and hosts CBP’s largest single deployment.

CBP is expanding biometric processing at major U.S. ports of entry to enhance security and streamline arrivals. Daniel Alonso, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director at Customs and Border Protection, said that collaborations like the one at MIA are essential for secure and efficient borders while offering a seamless experience for international travellers.

At MIA, the EPP initiative captures and processes biometric photos using SITA’s Smart Path platform, verifying travellers against CBP records within three seconds. The automation reduces wait times while maintaining high security standards. The deployment includes 12 biometric face pods across MIA’s three passport control facilities in concourses D, E, and J, making it CBP’s largest single EPP rollout to date. MIA may expand the system further as part of its digital transformation strategy.

Shawn Gregor, President Americas at SITA, noted that MIA is one of America’s busiest international gateways and the door to Latin America and beyond. He added that the EPP launch sets a new standard for efficiency at the border by using biometrics to make arrivals smoother, faster, and more secure, and can scale over time to additional terminals and increased capacity.

The mobile, wireless-enabled pods can be repositioned as passenger flow changes, helping CBP optimise staffing and throughput. Each unit has agent-facing screens for real-time monitoring, ensuring the technology supports both passenger experience and officer oversight.

According to SITA’s latest Air Transport IT Insights, 53% of North American airlines are investing in biometric and digital identity management, ahead of the global average, while nearly 60% of airports have implemented touchless passenger flow technologies. The EPP launch at MIA demonstrates how biometrics and mobile connectivity can improve efficiency and ease congestion without requiring new infrastructure.

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