The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has published results from a series of digital identity trials, concluding that contactless international travel using biometric verification and mobile-based credentials is already achievable.
The proof-of-concept (PoC) trials, conducted with airlines, airports, technology providers and governments across Europe and Asia-Pacific, tested the use of digital identity stored in mobile wallets to replace traditional paper documents.
According to IATA, the trials demonstrated that passengers can complete journeys without repeatedly presenting passports or boarding passes, using biometric verification at airport touchpoints instead.
The tests also showed that systems can work across multiple airlines, airports and digital identity providers. These included global wallet platforms such as Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, as well as national programs like India’s Digi Yatra.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general, said, “We have proven that digital identity for international travel works securely and efficiently.”
He added that wider adoption will depend on governments accelerating the rollout and acceptance of digital travel credentials: “For travelers to benefit from this important modernization, governments must accelerate efforts to issue and accept Digital Travel Credentials.”
The trials found that identity data can be securely shared in advance of travel, enabling checks to be completed earlier and reducing the need for document verification at airports. A single digital identity could also be reused throughout a journey, enabling what IATA described as a “tap-and-go” passenger experience.
Three PoCs focused on different aspects of implementation, including international transfer journeys, airline-managed digital identity systems and interoperability between different identity providers. Trials involved carriers including Japan Airlines, Air New Zealand and IndiGo, as well as multiple airports.
IATA said the tests were based on its One ID initiative and international standards including ISO, OpenID and W3C.
Despite the progress, the association emphasized that global deployment will require coordinated action from governments. Key steps include issuing digital travel credentials, ensuring border systems can accept them, and working with industry to enable interoperability at scale.
Walsh added that sharing identity data in advance could reduce queues and streamline passenger processing across the travel journey.
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