Dubai Airport Show to spotlight biometric travel tech

The Dubai Airport Show will return for its 25th edition from 12 to 14 October 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), with a key focus on leveraging smart technologies to enhance traveller experiences, particularly through the adoption of biometric systems.

 

More than 7,000 global visitors are expected at this year’s edition, including 150 exhibitors from over 30 countries and 120 hosted buyers. The event, originally slated for May, was postponed to October due to ongoing regional tensions.

 

Among the highlights will be Dubai International Airport’s (DXB) AI-powered ‘Red Carpet’ smart tunnel, capable of processing more than 10 travellers at once.

 

Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Dubai Airports, said: “Dubai Airports is focused on delivering consistent, measurable improvements in how guests move through our terminals. Through continued investment in biometric and digital solutions, we are strengthening the efficiency of our operations while handling sustained growth.”

 

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By end of the year, the UAE plans to expand Emirates ID integration across smart gates at international airports. Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport has already introduced facial recognition across five of nine passenger touchpoints, while Etihad Airways and Flydubai continue to explore biometric check-in technologies.

 

The event will also showcase plans for Al Maktoum International Airport, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2032. The future hub will use AI to personalise passenger journeys and improve terminal flow.

 

The push for smart technologies comes as air passenger numbers in the region are expected to reach 240 million. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), automating manual checks with biometric technology can reduce processing times by up to 40%.

 

For more information, visit theairportshow.com