Passenger Terminal World - Passenger Terminal World January 2026
The iceberg effect
2025-12-06 10:19:34
When it comes to biometrics at the border, it’s what you don’t see that has the biggest impact, according to Thales
For a growing number of travelers, boarding planes and crossing borders are now seamless, straightforward experiences. Automated, self-service and biometrically enabled solutions such as e-gates require nothing more than a face scan and placing a passport on a reader. Queues are cut and passengers enjoy faster journeys through the terminal.
However, this new generation of simple and intuitive processes is, in reality, the product of highly demanding systems integration and stakeholder collaboration. What’s more, the objectives extend far beyond convenience. Beneath the surface, stakeholders need ecosystems that guarantee robust border security and operational resilience, and also protect mission-critical infrastructure and sensitive personal information from cyberattacks and identity theft. In short, the challenges should not be underestimated.
Typically, international travelers now interact with a range of technologies, including e-gates, border kiosks, biometric recognition and passport scanners. Combining these touchpoints into a frictionless pathway requires a secure, reliable and effective back-end infrastructure that orchestrates data management, identity verification and multi-agency cooperation.
Back-end support
The foundations of success invariably lie in the deployment of a powerful back-end platform capable of supporting all front-end, passenger-facing technology. Such platforms must manage an array of interconnected functionalities. For example, law enforcement and immigration control agencies now rely on entry and exit management systems to monitor the flow of individuals entering and leaving the country. By recording traveler movements in real time, authorities can identify overstays, manage visa statuses and reinforce overall border security.
These entry-exit systems – and overall border security – depend on effective identity verification. Identity management and biometric identification play a pivotal role in preventing fraud, unauthorized entry and duplicate identities. Biometric data such as fingerprint, face and iris scans must be consolidated and linked to traveler profiles.
To support decision-making by border staff, the back-end infrastructure must also interface seamlessly with other national databases covering immigration records, visa issuance, asylum applications, residence permits and watch lists. Connections to international systems and watch lists, such as Interpol’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) database, also help detect fraudulent credentials and individuals of interest.
In fact, effective identity verification is essential, from check-in to boarding. Back-end infrastructure must therefore integrate border authorities with airports and airlines, ensuring consistent verification throughout the terminal. The benefits extend well beyond addressing risks such as identity theft and unauthorized travel. Digitalized check-in and boarding management systems that link passenger manifests with border control records and biometric verification optimize passenger flow and security. Moreover, integration with airport operational systems ensures real-time updates on flight schedules and gate assignments, enhancing the passenger experience. Connections to airline departure control and global distribution systems help maintain up-to-date passenger information and compliance checks.
Back-end systems should project ease and simplicity to travelers. However, achieving this clearly requires a high degree of collaboration between stakeholders, and the integration of numerous internal and external systems. That’s why a shared, robust infrastructure capable of secure data exchange and high availability is absolutely essential. At the same time, the increasing use of technology is expanding the attack surface available to cybercriminals. Security by design is necessary to protect data and prevent disruption to operations.
Solutions such as e-gates are transforming travel. But in terms of security and convenience, they are very much the tip of the iceberg. Out of sight, back-end platforms and systems are the key to ensuring that everything works and connects. What’s more, by fostering closer cooperation between stakeholders, these platforms open the door to new opportunities to create safer, more efficient and user-friendly travel experiences.
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/solutions-catalogue/civil-identity/trusted-border-control-solutions
Thales
To find out more, scan the QR code or visit www.thalesgroup.com/en/solutions-catalogue/civil-identity/trusted-border-control-solutions
©UKi Media & Events. View All Articles.