In an attempt to make travel through its biggest airports hassle-free, Portugal is set to implement biometric travel in five airports by the end of this year.
Announcing the news, VINCI Airports said that as part of its move to make boarding faster, contactless, and secure, the technology has already started being tested at the Lisbon and Porto airports.
Later on, in the second half of 2024, the technology solution will also be implemented in the Faro, Madeira, and Ponta Delgada airports, making Portugal the country with the most airports that have biometrics security in the bloc.
As VINCI Airports have explained, the first tests on departures from Lisbon and Porto airports are only being carried out with passengers from the TAP Air Portugal airline on flights that have been previously selected by the company within the Schengen Area.
The first tests are being carried out with passengers from the airline TAP Air Portugal on departures from Lisbon and Porto airports. In a second phase, other airlines and more destinations will be added, including extra-European flights.
Only passengers who are of legal age are able to use the solution with biometric data collection at Lisbon and Porto airports.
As explained, passengers who wish to test the new solution on departures from Lisbon and Porto airports can participate by registering in advance online. The registration is made through mobile phones using the “Biometric Experience” app, which is available on both iOS and Android.
Those who wish to become part of the testing period can also register at the airport by using the equipment that has been made available for this purpose at the kiosks located at the entrance to check in or next to the boarding gate for passengers taking connecting flights.
With the new biometric solution for passengers, travelling will be easier, with no stops and no queues. After registering in the app or at the designated kiosks, passengers no longer need to use their boarding pass or identification documents.
VINCI Airports notes the use is very simple. At the kiosks or in the app, passengers can simply photograph/scan their boarding passes, electronic passports or ID cards, take a selfie and accept the terms and conditions.
The same notes that this solution not only saves time but also transforms the travel experience into a paperless and contactless journey. Moreover, it has been emphasised that passengers can rest assured about their data’s confidentiality, as all information is promptly deleted once the flight has departed.
