Airports Deploy Biometrics, CT Scanners to Reshape Global Travel Security

Airports worldwide are making substantial investments in next-generation airport security infrastructure, moving beyond traditional screening to enhance passenger throughput and operational efficiency. This strategic shift is driven by projections from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that global passenger numbers will double by 2041, necessitating smarter, more scalable solutions. Key technologies at the forefront include Computed Tomography (CT) scanners and biometric boarding systems, which form the core of a broader push toward a seamless passenger journey.

The industry is transitioning from viewing security as a necessary bottleneck to treating it as a strategic asset for value creation. The goal is to create a 'walk-through' terminal experience where a passenger's identity is verified seamlessly at multiple touchpoints. This investment in smart airport technology is reflected in market forecasts; according to Fortune Business Insights, the global smart airport market is projected to grow from USD 3.51 billion in 2025 to USD 12.44 billion by 2034.

The Technology Driving the Shift

The two pillars of this transformation are advanced baggage screening and biometric identity verification. CT scanners, which create detailed 3D images of baggage contents, are being widely adopted. This technology allows for more accurate threat detection and offers a significant passenger benefit: liquids and electronics can remain inside bags during screening, speeding up the process. The European Union has mandated a phased implementation of CT scanners at airports by 2026. Data from Future Market Insights indicates that passenger and baggage screening systems already account for 65% of the total airport security market revenue, highlighting the focus on this area.

Simultaneously, biometric identification is becoming central to the passenger journey. Facial recognition, fingerprint, and iris scans are being integrated for check-in, bag drop, security access, and boarding. According to a report from SITA, biometric solutions can accelerate passenger processing by up to 30% and reduce wait times by as much as 60%. This technology supports initiatives aimed at creating a single biometric token for identity verification across the entire travel process.

Regulatory Framework and Industry Initiatives

This technological evolution is underpinned by a collaborative effort between regulatory bodies and industry associations. In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is guiding its modernization efforts through its Biometrics Roadmap, which focuses on partnerships to expand the use of biometric technology for domestic travelers and PreCheck members. TSA Administrator David Pekoske stated, “With the threat to aviation evolving every day, developing the next generation of security technology with our industry partners is critically important. By expanding our use of biometrics, TSA secures its position as a global leader in aviation security.”

On a global scale, the IATA One ID initiative is a key driver, aiming to establish a framework for a paperless travel experience using a single biometric identifier. This concept is further supported by the Smart Security program, a joint initiative between IATA and Airports Council International (ACI). The program advocates for risk-based security measures, advanced technology, and process innovation to create a more efficient and less intrusive screening process. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also contributes with its Simplified Arrival program, which uses facial biometrics to automate document checks for international arrivals.

The Business Case for Smarter Security

The financial commitment to this transformation is significant. According to the SITA 2024 Air Transport IT Insights report, IT spending in 2024 was estimated at nearly $9 billion for airports and $37 billion for airlines. A major portion of this investment is directed toward security and the digital infrastructure required to support it. The same report notes that 73% of airports and 66% of airlines cite cybersecurity as a top-three focus area, a necessary corollary to the increased reliance on digital identity and data.

Investment decisions are largely government-led, with a report from Future Market Insights suggesting that over 70% of airport security investments are driven by governments and airport authorities. These investments are crucial as airports prepare to handle a massive increase in traffic; ACI projects passenger numbers will reach 20.9 billion by 2040.

Patrick Cuschieri, an Aviation Security Consultant with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, commented on the trend: “New technology – mainly biometrics and AI – is reshaping airport security, making it faster, smarter and more precise. By combining advanced tools with real-time data, airports can stay ahead of evolving threats while improving the passenger experience.”

Why This Matters

This industry-wide pivot to next-generation security represents a fundamental change in how airports manage passenger flow and mitigate threats. For airlines and airports, it promises greater operational efficiency and the capacity to handle future growth without requiring proportional expansions of physical infrastructure. For passengers, it signals a future of faster, less stressful, and more secure air travel, where the journey through the airport becomes a seamless part of the travel experience rather than an obstacle.

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