Budapest Airport is preparing to introduce FaceBoarding, a facial recognition technology designed to simplify and expedite airport security procedures. The biometric system will allow passengers who have registered via an app – expected to launch in June – to pass through security checks and boarding gates using only facial recognition.
Budapest Airport anticipates that FaceBoarding will enhance air travel efficiency by reducing waiting times through the elimination of traditional identity checks and boarding passes.
In a statement to Hungarian news outlet Világgazdaság , a spokesperson for Budapest Airport commented that “Budapest Airport regularly monitors and follows the latest industry trends and technologies, and strives to introduce the best solutions to make airport processes as convenient as possible for passengers.”
Developed by Thales and Dormakaba, the system is currently being tested at Milan Linate and Catania airports and is available only to individuals over 18 years of age. Passengers who choose not to use the technology can still proceed with the standard security and boarding processes.
Budapest Airport’s implementation of FaceBoarding highlights the growing trend of adopting biometric technologies in airports with the aim of improving efficiency and passenger convenience. In addition to Milan and Catania, Singapore’s Changi Airport announced in 2022 that it was expanding its use of biometric screening technologies, including facial and iris recognition. And earlier this year, Spanish airline Vueling announced the launch of a new biometric boarding system for travelers at airports in Barcelona-El Prat, Madrid-Barajas, Palma de Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza.
