Biometrics, AI and digital passports: Europeans ‘most cautious’ about travel technology, IATA survey finds

European passengers exhibit the most cautious approach towards adopting digital travel technology, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) 2026 Global Passenger Survey. Conducted on over 10,000 respondents from 200 countries, the survey reveals that Europeans are the least inclined, with 70% expressing reluctance to share biometric data for airport processes, compared to the global average of 78%.

Middle Eastern and African travelers demonstrated the highest willingness, with 84% and 82% respectively.

European travelers also exhibit less enthusiasm for utilizing digital passports for online check-in, with 79% showing interest, trailing behind the global average of 84%. Concerns regarding data security appear to be the primary reason for this hesitation, as 59% of respondents expressed apprehension about data breaches. Additionally, 49% were concerned about their information being shared with third parties, and 41% attributed their reluctance to a lack of clarity on the management of their personal details.

Despite these apprehensions, biometrics have firmly established themselves as a mainstream component of the travel experience, with 58% of passengers reporting having encountered biometrics at least once in the past year – a significant increase from 34% in 2022, as noted by Nick Careen, Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Security at IATA.

He attributed this surge in biometric usage to the clear benefits it provides, including smoother journeys for passengers and more efficient, secure processes for governments and airlines.

To fully realize the potential of biometrics for international travel, governments must establish a framework for the issuance and acceptance of secure digital passports, or Digital Travel Credentials. A staggering 82% of respondents indicated their willingness to share a digital passport with an airline during the booking process and after payment to receive personalized services, such as information on visa requirements.

Furthermore, 82% would utilize a smartphone integrating a digital wallet, digital passport, and loyalty cards to streamline booking, payment, and navigation of airport processes at both departure and arrival.

AI is increasingly becoming a prominent tool in shaping travel plans, with 49% of travelers admitting to using AI for their arrangements. This includes 21% who have employed AI to search for flights to a specific destination, 19% who sought the cheapest flights, and 17% who sought travel inspiration. Careen emphasized the importance for airlines not only to ensure their offerings are discoverable in AI platforms but also to establish seamless connections that convert AI conversations into real bookings.

Despite the advancements in travel technology, immigration requirements continue to pose a significant barrier for global travelers, deterring 43% of them from visiting a destination, up from 33% in the 2025 survey. This issue is most pronounced among African travelers, with 52% citing immigration requirements as a deterrent, surpassing any other region. For Europeans, entry requirements discouraged 38% of travelers.