IATA survey: Biometrics and AI transform travel as immigration rules pose barriers

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its 2026 Global Passenger Survey (GPS), revealing significant shifts in traveler behavior. The report highlights three primary trends: the mainstream adoption of biometric identification, the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) for travel planning, and the growing friction caused by complex immigration and visa requirements.

According to the survey, 58% of passengers used biometric systems in the past 12 months, a 24 percentage point increase since 2022. Satisfaction with biometrics has reached 87%. Additionally, 84% of travelers expressed interest in using digital passports for online check-in to replace physical documents. Regarding AI, 49% of passengers now utilize the technology to search for flights, compare fares, and discover new destinations.

Despite these technological advancements, administrative hurdles remain a major deterrent. Approximately 43% of travelers reported that complex immigration requirements discouraged them from visiting certain destinations. IATA is calling on governments to simplify entry processes, eliminate duplicate checks, and accelerate the acceptance of secure digital travel credentials to facilitate more seamless international mobility.