Passports could become unnecessary for air travel within five years as biometric technology makes it possible to prove identity without a physical document, according to Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.

In a post on LinkedIn, Griffiths said the technology to verify identities through biometrics is already available, yet travellers are still asked to show a document repeatedly throughout their journey. "The technology is ready. How quickly we make this everyday reality is largely up to us," he said.

The main obstacle, he said, is getting governments, airlines and airports to connect their systems and agree on common standards for recognising digital identities across borders. Once that happens, travellers could go from passing through airports without showing their passports to leaving them at home altogether. The same digital identity could also be used for hiring a car or checking into a hotel.

Dubai Airports has been working with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) on facial recognition technology, and Dubai International Airport (DXB) is deploying new screening equipment that lets passengers keep laptops and liquids in their bags. The first phase of Al Maktoum International Airport, planned to become the world's largest airport, is scheduled to open in 2032.

"Your passport has an expiry date. I believe the need to carry it has one too," Griffiths said.

(Source: Khaleej Times)