Global airline association study points out there is no longer any need to physically separate domestic and international departure passengers

November 7th 2025

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Segregation of international and domestic departing passengers by physical barriers at airports is no longer necessary, as it can be accomplished by using biometric digital ID technology, the newly released study by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and AtkinsRéalisan engineering services and project management company points out. Read More » What is more, departing from the current methods and switching to the biometric digital ID technology can lead to substantial cost savings, operational efficiencies, passenger experience, and sustainability gains. “Regulatory requirements and technology limitations have meant that domestic and international departure passenger flows need to be physically separated at many airports. That’s no longer the case. Digital ID powered by biometrics can achieve the needed segregation without creating a physically separated flow with duplicated facilities, which is inefficient and costly. The study shows that segregating passengers with digital ID will lead to a better travel experience for travelers, reduce costs for airports and airlines, and maintain security and border control requirements. It’s a compelling case for a much-needed modernization,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security. The IATA said the implementation of the Domestic and International Passenger Integration Program (DIPIP) can begin within existing regulatory frameworks. Early phases, such as shared terminal areas and biometric identity verification, can proceed without major regulatory changes, provided close coordination among airports, airlines, and border authorities is maintained. The report outlines three stages of implementation—Baseline, Integrated, and End-State—offering a practical roadmap for adoption. The End-State envisions a fully digital process where travelers complete identity and travel checks remotely, creating a seamless, secure travel experience from home to gate. “Collaboration is essential to unlocking the benefits of integrated passenger flows. Airports, airlines, and governments each have a role to play. By working together within existing frameworks and progressively modernizing them, we can deliver seamless, secure, and efficient travel for passengers while maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance,” said Careen.