REFLECTIONS ON IATA’S CALL FOR THE RAPID ADOPTION OF DIGITAL IDENTITY TECHNOLOGY

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  REFLECTIONS ON IATA’S CALL FOR THE RAPID

ADOPTION OF DIGITAL IDENTITY TECHNOLOGY


By Jeremy Springall, Snr Vice President SITA







As I reflect on the past week, I couldn’t help but think about how much travel has changed –

and how much better it’s becoming. From digital pre-clearance to biometric verification,

digital identity is transforming the travel journey for everyone—making it faster, more secure,

and more efficient.

But for the industry to fully unlock its potential, we need to move beyond pilots and

fragmented deployments. At the Sydney Leaders Week Conference, IATA’s call for action

reinforces what we’ve long known: the time to scale digital identity is now.

Here’s why:

1. Security and efficiency don’t have to be trade-offs

For years, airports, airlines and governments have struggled to balance security with a

frictionless travel experience. Too often, one has come at the expense of the other.

Digital identity changes that. By verifying travellers instantly, it strengthens security while

keeping passengers moving. Governments can combat fraud more effectively; airports can

reduce bottlenecks at critical touchpoints and airlines can drive cost savings through faster

turnaround time while being certain passenger data is accurate.


2. Piecemeal solutions won’t get us there

Many in the industry have embraced digital identity in isolated projects but without

interoperability, we risk creating a patchwork of disconnected experiences across different

borders, airlines, and airports.

An open, industry-wide approach—where systems work together seamlessly—is the only

way to make digital identity truly scalable and valuable for everyone.


3. Operational improvements at every stage of the journey

The benefits of digital identity extend far beyond the traveller’s convenience. A more

streamlined verification process has a powerful ripple effect across the entire industry.

• Fewer delays at check-in, bag drop, and security

• Reduced congestion at boarding and border control

• More efficient passenger flow, minimizing operational disruptions

For governments, airlines, and airports, this translates to increased throughput, lower costs

and an improved travel experience.


4. Passengers are ready—are we?

Passengers already expect a faster, digital-first experience. Our research shows:


• 66% would pay to use biometrics for travel

• 75% are comfortable with using a digital ID on their smartphone

The demand is clear. The question is, will the industry move quickly enough to meet it?


5. Collaboration will determine success

No single entity can make digital identity work alone. Governments, airlines, airports and

technology providers must align on a privacy-first framework that prioritises security and

transparency.

With many governments already implementing digital IDs for other services, extending this

to travel through Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs) is a logical next step.


The big picture

The technology is ready. Solutions like SITA Digital Travel ID help governments enhance

border security, enable airlines to streamline operations, and allow airports to improve

passenger flow—all while reducing costs and inefficiencies.

Now is the time for us to move beyond experimentation and make digital identity the

standard. If we work together, we can build a future where travel is not just faster, but

smarter, safer, and more connected than ever before.

Are we ready to take that step—together?

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