DusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives unveils events venue

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November 10, 2025

MALDIVES, 10 November 2025: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, is introducing a fresh, accessible, and elegant venue that brings new energy to the Maldives’ meetings and events scene as dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives prepares to launch its Feydhoo Hall.

Located just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Malé, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives has already made a bold impression with its creative energy, social spirit, and premium all-inclusive concept that blends freedom, fun, and sophistication in a stunning island setting.

With Feydhoo Hall set to open in Q1 2026, the resort is poised to extend its appeal beyond leisure, emerging as a vibrant new hub for corporate retreats, destination weddings, and bespoke celebrations.

Thoughtfully set apart from the main villa and leisure zones to ensure privacy, tranquillity, and focus, the 360 sqm hall offers an inspired setting where energy meets elegance. Fully equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, projectors, microphones, and a complete sound system, the flexible space can host up to 240 guests for conferences, 120 for banquets, and 150 for cocktail receptions, with dedicated breakout rooms for smaller sessions.

Bright and contemporary in design, it features air-conditioned interiors bathed in natural daylight, with direct access to the Veranda Terrace – an elegant outdoor area ideal for open-air events, cocktail hours, and sunset celebrations. Guests attending events will enjoy complimentary transfers, ensuring convenience and comfort from arrival to departure.

“At dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, our goal is to create experiences that feel effortless, memorable, and full of energy,” said dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives general manager Yogeswaran Veerasamy. “With the opening of Feydhoo Hall, we’re excited to extend that same spirit to events and celebrations, offering a contemporary, flexible space where creativity can thrive and every occasion feels truly special. Bookings for 2026 and beyond are now open, and we look forward to welcoming guests to connect, celebrate, and collaborate in this unique island setting.”

To meet the evolving needs of corporate clients, the resort has developed a range of meeting and event packages designed to offer exceptional value and convenience. Options include half-day (four-hour) and full-day (eight-hour) meeting packages featuring welcome refreshments, a coffee break with assorted snacks, comprehensive stationery, high-speed Wi-Fi, and complimentary transfers for non-resident guests.

The Executive Package (eight hours) adds all-day coffee and snacks, a gourmet buffet or fine-dining lunch, advanced audio-visual setup with video conferencing capabilities, and other bespoke benefits ideal for leadership gatherings and strategic workshops.

Couples seeking a romantic island celebration can also choose from a variety of wedding packages, starting at USD4,600++, which include a beautifully decorated beach ceremony, a romantic three-course dinner, luxurious spa treatments for the couple, and a host of personalised enhancements tailored to individual preferences.

For event and meeting guests wishing to stay at the resort, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives offers 127 contemporary villas across seven categories, ranging from 77 to 306 sqm, each combining modern comfort with tropical charm. Most feature open-plan interiors, expansive decks, and private plunge pools.

Resort guests can also enjoy access to a wide range of all-inclusive leisure and dining facilities, including the signature Namm Spa, a multi-court sports centre, and a vibrant collection of restaurants and lounges — from Midi, the Mediterranean-inspired beach club, and Soi, which presents modern Thai flavours, to The Cocoon, a lively café-bar concept, and Baravelli, an inviting all-day dining destination.

For more information about meetings, weddings, and events at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, visit dusit.com/dusitd2-feydhoo.

About Dusit Hotels and Resorts
Dusit Hotels and Resorts is the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies. With a heartfelt belief and commitment to introducing Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world, Dusit Hotels and Resorts offers guests a uniquely memorable stay in high-style surroundings and a personalised approach to service. The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts, and luxury villas includes nearly 300 properties operating under a total of nine brands (Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, Dusit Hotels, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 18 countries worldwide.

For more information, visit dusit.com.

(Source: Your Stories — Dusit Hotels & Resorts)

Nirjhara embarks on resort expansions

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November 10, 2025

LONDON, 10 November 2025: Nirjhara, a 25-key hotel located in Kedungu, Bali, has confirmed the launch of its Phase 2 expansion.

Opening in stages from summer 2026, the development will introduce a collection of seven villas, a new signature Indonesian restaurant, an adults-only pool, and a new spa featuring Ayurvedic offerings.

In Q3 2026, Nirjhara will unveil seven one-bedroom villas, located on the resort’s eastern side. These standalone villas are inspired by their forested surroundings. Each villa offers a 66 sqm space, complemented by a deck, a seven-metre private pool, and tropical gardens complete with hammocks and al fresco dining areas.

Later in 2026, Nirjhara will open a new signature restaurant, devoted entirely to celebrating Indonesia’s diverse culinary traditions. With a menu rooted in locally sourced ingredients, open-fire cooking, and authentic recipes from across the archipelago, the restaurant will honour the communal role of the traditional paon (Balinese kitchen pavilion).

Phase Two also marks a bold expansion of Nirjhara’s wellness offering. An Ayurvedic-inspired spa will feature treatment rooms and a programme of therapies, including Abhyanga (ancient Ayurvedic oil massage).

Future development in 2027 and beyond includes an additional nine one-bedroom villas and seven four-bedroom Private Estates, which cater to families and groups seeking a more exclusive residential-style experience.

Rates at Nirjhara start from UKP355 during low season and UKP440 during high season per night on a bed and breakfast basis, based on two sharing a Canopy Suite.

(Source: Nirjhara)

Ayana Ball wins Earthcheck Gold

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November 10, 2025

SINGAPORE, 10 November 2025: Ayana Bali has been awarded the EarthCheck Gold Certification, a milestone that reflects the integrated resort destination’s long-term commitment to sustainability, across its 90-hectare estate overlooking Jimbaran Bay.

EarthCheck is one of the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification, and advisory groups for sustainable travel and tourism.

The Gold Certification is awarded to organisations that demonstrate five or more consecutive years of independent, science-based sustainability performance across key operational areas.

With this recognition, Ayana Bali joins a group of just seven properties on the island to achieve Gold EarthCheck certification or higher. This distinction carries particular significance given Ayana’s scale and complexity. With 993 rooms, the resort encompasses multiple hotels and residences, 30 restaurants, and over 17 event venues.

Among the initiatives contributing to Ayana Bali’s EarthCheck Gold Certification is the Ayana Food Waste Loop, which converts organic waste into livestock feed for local farmers. Additionally, used cooking oil is donated to Green School Bali for use in BioBus fuel and soap-making.

Recyclables such as plastics and aluminium are processed through certified vendors. In 2024, AYANA eliminated 32 tons of plastic waste by introducing refillable amenity bottles, reusable glass water bottles, recycled paper packaging, and wooden key cards.

Supporting its journey toward net-zero emissions, Ayana Bali operates 34 electric vehicles, reducing daily carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 30 kilogrammes and enhancing the guest experience with quieter, cleaner transport. The resort’s solar panels currently generate 854 kWp, with an additional 516 kWp system underway.

(Source: Ayana Bali)

Trends: Thumbs up for slow travel

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November 10, 2025

SINGAPORE, 10 November 2025: Trip.com Group shared insights on global travel trends and AI at last week’s WTM in London, gleaned from the group’s recent joint report with Google, “Why Travel?”

During a panel discussion tagged “From Snowfields to Screens: How Sports, Stories and AI Are Powering the Next Wave of Chinese Outbound Travel,” Trip.com Group Managing Director of International Markets and Vice President Boon Sian Chai highlighted how the company is driving the next phase of global travel recovery through collaboration and technology.

*(Second from right) Trip.com Group Managing Director and Vice President of International Markets, Boon Sian Chai.*

“Travellers today are more intentional, seeking meaning, authenticity, and value in every journey,” he shared. “The report shows a shift from escape to connection, with longer stays, rising interest in nature- and culture-based itineraries, and greater engagement with eco-certified accommodations. For Trip.com Group, that means partnering globally to create accessible, personalised, and responsible travel experiences.”

For instance, the report notes a 53% year-over-year increase in searches for slower-paced cultural experiences, such as “Japanese tea ceremonies,” alongside a surge in demand for wellness. Searches for wellness-sport pairings, including “golf and spa resorts,” increased by 300%, and “ski and spa” packages rose by 250% year-over-year.

A related Trip.com session during WTM delved into “Cool Tripping, Slow Tourism and the Sophisticated Traveller’ noting that Trip.com research showed that 92% of travellers express interest in more sustainable travel. Still, fewer than 60% have acted on it.

(Source: Trip.com Group)

Kunming attracts Southeast Asian travellers

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November 10, 2025

KUNMING, 10 November 2025: Positioned at the crossroads of the China–ASEAN Free Trade Area and the Greater Mekong Subregion, Kunming is fast becoming one of China’s top destination cities for inbound travel, particularly for visitors from South and Southeast Asia, according to a recent statement by the Kunming Bureau of Commerce.

With its warm climate, friendly culture, and strong connectivity, Kunming has become the preferred first stop in China for travellers from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and beyond, says the bureau.

*Photo credit: Kunming Bureau of Commerce. Kunming skyline.*

Direct flights from major regional capitals take just two to five hours, while the China–Laos Railway provides a convenient “morning departure, evening arrival” link for cross-border tourism. Combined with China’s new visa-free policies and Kunming’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy, the city is redefining its role in the expanding regional travel market.

However, more could be done to attract airlines to serve routes from Southeast Asia’s secondary cities. For example, Chiang Mai in Thailand is served by China Eastern and Ruili Airlines. Flights between Kunming and Chiang Rai paused during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not resumed.

To make spending easier, Kunming launched the “Kunming PASS – Spring City Privilege Card,” which integrates public transportation, scenic spots, and shopping discounts into a single card. Six major commercial zones now fully accept Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay, while leading hotels and restaurants also accept cash payments in USD, Thai Baht, and Malaysian Ringgit. Cross-border e-wallet connections with TrueMoney (Thailand), Touch ’n Go (Malaysia), and Momo (Vietnam) are being tested to make mobile payments as effortless as at home.

Tourists can access a multilingual “Spring City Consumption Guide” and 24-hour service centres at airports, train stations, and shopping malls for translation and trip planning. Meanwhile, tax refund points across six shopping areas — including Nanping Street and Kunming Old Town — offer both luxury goods and local specialities, such as flowers, coffee, and wild mushrooms. A new “instant refund” system allows travellers to collect rebates directly in-store, encouraging higher spending.

Kunming’s 77 themed business districts showcase diverse urban life — from the lively night markets of Nanqiang Alley to the floral splendour of Dounan Flower Market. Monthly campaigns offer electronic vouchers with discounts on hotels, dining, train and airline tickets.

To ensure a smooth visitor experience, Kunming has created a dedicated task force and a 30-minute consumer dispute mediation service in Southeast Asian languages.

(Source: Kunming Bureau of Commerce)

Lufthansa Group scales up summer flights

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November 10, 2025

SINGAPORE, 10 November 2025: Lufthansa Group airlines have confirmed details of their summer 2026 flight schedule, featuring new intercontinental and European destinations as well as increased frequencies.

By summer 2026, Lufthansa and its group members — Discover Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Brussels Airlines, Edelweiss, and ITA Airways — will offer more than 14,000 weekly connections to 330 destinations in approximately 100 countries via their hubs in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, and Italy.

*Photo credit: Lufthansa Group. Kilimanjaro: Brussels Airlines will add Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) to its route network.*

Lufthansa Airlines — Frankfurt and Munich

During the summer of 2026, Lufthansa Airlines will fly from Frankfurt to St. Louis and Cape Town five times a week, to Rio de Janeiro six times a week, to Raleigh/Durham and Nairobi daily, and to Washington 14 times a week.

Due to the rising demand for Scandinavian destinations, Lufthansa will add four weekly flights to Trondheim, Norway, from Frankfurt for the first time this summer, starting 1 May 2026. Complementing the existing service from Munich, Lufthansa will operate at least one daily flight from Germany to Norway’s third-largest city and to other northern European destinations, such as Bergen and Stavanger.

Munich Airport is extending its service next summer. Two long-haul destinations, which were already launched in winter 2025/26, will continue to be served next summer. São Paulo in South America will be served three times a week in the summer flight schedule, as will Johannesburg in South Africa. All destinations will be served by the Airbus A350-900, one of the most modern aircraft in the world.

Due to the high costs associated with flights to and from Germany, Lufthansa Airlines will reduce frequencies on more than 50 feeder routes starting with the summer 2026 flight schedule. These include routes between Munich and Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Berlin, as well as between Frankfurt and Leipzig or Nuremberg. Further connections, such as those from Munich to Münster/Osnabrück or Dresden, are under review.

Flights from Frankfurt to Toulouse and from Munich to Tallinn and Oviedo will be discontinued next spring for economic reasons. Tallinn and Oviedo will remain accessible to Lufthansa passengers from Frankfurt, while Toulouse and Oviedo can still be reached via Munich.

SWISS

From 29 March 2026, SWISS will offer flights from Zurich to Poznań, Poland’s fifth-largest city, for the first time. During the summer months of July and August, SWISS will also add the Croatian port city of Rijeka, located on the Kvarner Gulf, to its network. Furthermore, the airline will increase frequencies from Zurich on various European routes, including to Alicante, Valencia, Manchester, Montpellier, Tirana, Budapest, and Venice. On long-haul routes, SWISS will offer daily flights to Tokyo in April, May, and October; during the rest of the season, the Japanese capital will continue to be served five times a week.

Austrian Airlines

Greece, Spain, and Italy traditionally top the list of most popular destinations, with some new destinations being added and flight frequencies being increased. Destinations such as Sylt, Edinburgh, and the Lofoten Islands) will be offered again in 2026.

ITA Airways

As a preview of its 2026 summer schedule, ITA Airways announces its return to London Heathrow with the resumption of the Rome Fiumicino–London Heathrow route, operating twice daily. ITA Airways’ detailed summer schedule will be published at a later date.

Additionally, during the peak summer season, direct flights are offered from Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate to popular holiday destinations in Greece, Spain, and the Italian islands, thereby providing summer holidaymakers with more travel options.

Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines will add Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) to its route network. This will be the Belgian airline’s eighteenth destination in sub-Saharan Africa, strengthening Brussels Airlines’ position as an Africa expert within the Lufthansa Group. From June 2026, Kilimanjaro will be served twice a week. Additionally, Brussels Airlines will increase its flights to Freetown (Sierra Leone) from five to six per week and introduce an additional flight on Thursdays.

Within its European route network, Brussels Airlines is increasing capacity on existing routes, primarily in Spain, Portugal and Italy.

Edelweiss

Edelweiss is expanding its long-haul network from Zurich in summer 2026. Starting in June, Windhoek, Namibia, will be served twice weekly. The airline is also increasing frequencies to Seattle, Punta Cana, and Tampa, and extending its seasonal flights to Halifax, Cape Town, and Colombo. This move reflects Edelweiss’s response to the growing demand for diverse and attractive holiday destinations.

Discover Airlines

Discover Airlines is expanding its short-haul network and will fly to Shannon, Ireland, and Brindisi, Italy, for the first time. Both routes will depart from Frankfurt twice weekly.

For the first time, the island of Cyprus is included in Discover Airlines’ flight schedule. Starting at the end of March, daily flights will operate from Frankfurt and Munich to the port city of Larnaca. From Frankfurt, there will be two flights daily on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. From Munich, there will also be two daily connections on Fridays and Sundays. Lufthansa previously operated these routes.

The long-haul connection from Frankfurt to the Seychelles, originally planned only seasonally (in winter), will now be offered year-round. Additionally, a fifth flight from Frankfurt to Las Vegas will operate every Saturday.

(Source: Lufthansa Group)

Etihad launches four new destinations

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November 10, 2025

ABU DHABI, 10 November 2025: Etihad Airways marked another milestone by launching four routes to Tunis, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Hong Kong from 1 to 3 November.

The new services further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub and gateway to the UAE, supporting inbound tourism and trade while delivering nearly 45% of the UAE’s total aviation growth this year.

*Photo credit Etihad. Long-range A321 lands in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand.*

As Etihad continues to expand its network, the airline is adding thousands of new seats to and from Abu Dhabi, making it easier for travellers from Africa and Asia to experience the city’s cultural landmarks, beaches, luxury resorts, and year-round calendar of events.

New routes from Abu Dhabi

Tunis (1 November, three weekly flights): Strengthening Etihad’s North African network and supporting growing demand for travel between the UAE and Tunisia.

Hanoi (2 November, six weekly flights): Linking Abu Dhabi directly to Vietnam’s capital for the first time, enhancing trade and tourism ties between the two nations.

Chiang Mai (3 November, four weekly flights): Opening Northern Thailand to travellers from the Middle East and Europe through Abu Dhabi.

Hong Kong (3 November, five weekly flights): Reconnecting Abu Dhabi with one of Asia’s premier business and leisure centres, alongside the relaunch of Etihad’s codeshare with Hong Kong Airlines for enhanced connectivity across Asia.

The four new routes bring Etihad’s network to more than 85 destinations, underscoring its pivotal role in connecting Abu Dhabi to the world and driving tourism and economic growth for the UAE.

Flight Schedules

(Source: Etihad)

Dusit Thani Bangkok among top 100 hotels

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November 7, 2025

BANGKOK, 7 November 2025: Dusit Thani Bangkok, the reimagined flagship of Dusit Hotels and Resorts, has earned global recognition once again — this time ranking #60 on the inaugural extended list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025, a prestigious index celebrating the finest hospitality experiences worldwide.

The extended list showcases 50 additional properties that exemplify innovation, service excellence, and guest satisfaction across six continents. Each hotel was selected by a panel of more than 800 independent travel experts, including hoteliers, journalists, and seasoned luxury travellers.

Initially opened in 1970 as one of Thailand’s first luxury hotels, Dusit Thani Bangkok became a symbol of modern Thai hospitality and a beloved landmark in the heart of the city. Following a five-year transformation as part of the Dusit Central Park mixed-use development, the new hotel reopened in September 2024, redefining the essence of Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality.

Honouring the rich legacy of the original Dusit Thani Bangkok, the new property seamlessly weaves the past into the present. The original spire, now encased within a gleaming new crown overlooking Lumpini Park, rises as a beacon of continuity. Ornate decorative pillars, frangipani trees planted by Dusit’s founder, and cherished artworks from the original property have also been lovingly restored within the property – preserving the spirit of a Thai icon while ushering in a new chapter of design excellence.

Inside, refined interiors by internationally acclaimed designer André Fu reinterpret the hotel’s storied past with contemporary sophistication. From spacious guest rooms and suites, all offering panoramic views of Lumpini Park, to curated dining concepts and the signature Devarana Wellness centre, every space reflects a deep commitment to craftsmanship, culture, and care.

“To be named among the world’s 100 best hotels just one year after reopening is an incredible milestone that reaffirms our commitment to excellence, innovation, and authenticity,” said Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “This achievement celebrates not only the extraordinary work of our team at Dusit Thani Bangkok, but also the collective ambition driving every Dusit property worldwide to deliver experiences that are deeply rooted in local culture, elevated by design, and brought to life with heartfelt service. It sets a clear benchmark for what we aspire to achieve across our entire portfolio.”

Dusit Thani Bangkok was officially recognised alongside other awarded establishments at The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 ceremony, which took place at London’s Old Billingsgate on 30 October 2025.

Earlier in October, the hotel was also one of three Dusit properties to receive a Michelin Key, joining Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu in the Philippines and Dusit Thani Kyoto in Japan in earning this international mark of hospitality excellence.

About Dusit Thani Bangkok
Part of the landmark Dusit Central Park development, Dusit Thani Bangkok is a reimagined icon that blends timeless Thai elegance with contemporary sophistication. With a prime location overlooking Lumpini Park in the heart of the city, the 257-key property redefines luxury with all park-view accommodations. It sets the scene for unforgettable experiences featuring world-class dining and peerless event venues.

For more information, visit dusit.com/dusitthani-bangkok.

(Source: Your Stories — Dusit International)

Emirates’ facial recognition: Speedy, Seamless, Secure

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Your Stories

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November 7, 2025

DUBAI 7 November 2025: Emirates has invested AED 85 million to install more than 200 biometrics-enabled cameras across Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) – allowing more customers to pass through Check-In, Immigration, Boarding Gates, Lounges and board the aircraft, simply by facial recognition, with a quick and easy registration on the Emirates app.

Eliminating the need to present a passport and boarding pass at various points in the airport, the new biometrics initiative is a collaboration between Emirates and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD), which significantly reduces processing time for all registered customers. The powerful cameras can recognise the biometric profile of a customer from a distance of one metre, allowing customers to walk swiftly through areas where they would previously have to pause and show documents.

Whether visiting the UAE or as a resident, any Emirates customer can sign up for swift and secure biometrics services on the Emirates app, at Self-Service Kiosks at the airport, or at Check-In desks. Consenting to Emirates Biometrics Registration enables customers to bypass queues and expedite their airport experience every time they travel, allowing them to select the dedicated Biometric Zones when flying to and from Dubai International (DXB).

Emirates’ Deputy President & Chief Operating Officer Adel al Redha said: “With our latest Biometrics Path development, Emirates has invested in further innovations to enhance the customer travel experience, providing remarkable speed, efficiency, and accuracy at Terminal 3 in Dubai International Airport. Since 2017, we have been working in collaboration with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai to upgrade our equipment and implement the latest technologies, ensuring that our customers enjoy a world-class, seamless journey.”

Travel: The mobile and digital revolution

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November 7, 2025

SINGAPORE, 7 November 2025: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the results of its 2025 Global Passenger Survey (GPS), highlighting two key trends that are redefining the passenger travel experience: Mobile reliance is rising, and biometric adoption is accelerating.

“Passengers want to manage their travel the same way they manage many other aspects of their lives — on their smartphones and using digital ID,” said IATA’s Senior Vice President Operations, Safety and Security, Nick Careen. “As experience grows with digital processes from booking to baggage claim, the message that travellers are sending in this year’s GPS is clear — they like it, and they want more of it.

“There is an important caveat: the need to continue building trust, so that cybersecurity remains a priority. Cybersecurity must be core to the end-to-end digital transformation of how we book, pay, and experience air travel”.

Mobile-reliance rising

The GPS confirms that mobile devices have become central to the passenger journey. Travellers are increasingly using their smartphones to book flights, manage payments and loyalty programs, and handle check-in, immigration, boarding, and baggage processes. Enthusiasm for mobile-enabled travel is at an all-time high.

Booking and payment habits are shifting toward mobile channels. Over half of travellers (54%) want to deal directly with airlines, and they are doing that increasingly with mobile apps. Airline websites remained the most popular booking preference at 31%, but this was down from 37% in 2024. In 2025, web apps were the preferred choice for 19% of travellers, trending upwards from the 16% in 2024. This move was led by younger travellers (25%), which is an indication that the trend of shifting to mobile options is likely to strengthen over time.

Payment preferences are also evolving. While credit and debit cards remain the dominant payment method (72%), there has been a significant decline from 2024 (79%). Digital wallet use has increased significantly (from 20% in 2024 to 28% in 2025), and instant payment methods, such as IATA Pay, have also grown (from 6% in 2024 to 8% in 2025).

Passengers want their smartphones to do more for them: 78% of passengers want to use a smartphone that combines a digital wallet, digital passport, and loyalty cards to book, pay, and navigate airport processes. The use of electronic bag tags is also on the rise, increasing from 28% in 2024 to 35% in 2025, allowing passengers to generate their bag tags directly from a mobile device during the check-in process.

Biometric adoption accelerates

The use of biometrics at airports is expanding, and passenger satisfaction with biometrics has reached its highest level yet.

Half of passengers (50%) have used biometrics at some point in their airport journey, up from 46% in 2024. Usage is most common at security (44%), exit immigration (41%), and entry immigration (35%). Notably, the use of biometrics has risen by nearly 20 percentage points since 2022.

Passengers who have used biometrics report high levels of satisfaction, with 85% saying they are happy with the experience.

74% of travellers say they would be willing to share their biometric information if they could skip showing a passport or boarding pass at checkpoints such as check-in, security, border control, and boarding.

Privacy remains a concern, but there is room to build trust. 42% of passengers who are currently unwilling to share their biometric info say they would reconsider if data privacy were assured.

Regional trends

Africa

African passengers value the human touch; they are most likely to book through airline offices or call centres. Their satisfaction levels are among the highest globally, ranking second overall. Yet they face the most significant border challenges, with visa and immigration complexity cited as key barriers. Simplifying these processes could unlock major growth.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific travellers are the most digitally savvy, with the highest overall satisfaction levels among global travellers. They lead in using mobile apps and digital wallets to book and pay for travel, and are the least likely to use credit cards. They are also among the most frequent users of biometrics, though their satisfaction with these experiences is the lowest. This tech-forward group expects ever faster and more seamless journeys.

Europe

European passengers are the most traditional and cautious. They prefer to book directly through airline websites and typically pay by credit or debit cards. They are the least likely of all regions to have used biometrics in the past year and remain more hesitant to share data in advance or replace travel documents with digital identification. Despite this cautious approach to technology, European travellers rank as the fourth most satisfied globally.

North America

North American travellers prioritise convenience above all else. They are the most likely to choose flights based on total journey time and fewer layovers, and they rely heavily on airline websites for booking. Despite this focus on convenience, they are among the least satisfied travellers globally, ranking second from last across all regions. Biometrics are widely used, but privacy concerns are the strongest globally. Efficiency and trust in data security are top priorities for this region.

Latin America & the Caribbean

Latin American and Caribbean travellers value personal interaction when booking and prefer to pay with credit or debit cards. They are more likely than any other region to obtain visas from a consulate or embassy. Although they use biometrics less frequently, they demonstrate a strong willingness to adopt the technology and report high satisfaction when they do.

Middle East

Loyalty matters to Middle East passengers. They favour airports with strong service reputations and their preferred airlines. They are highly digitally engaged, with widespread use of digital wallets and strong enthusiasm for smartphone-based travel credentials. They are among the most satisfied travellers globally, ranking third overall. Loyalty and service quality remain top priorities in this region.

> View the detailed regional trends (pdf)

About the GPS

GPS results are based on over 10,000 responses from more than 200 countries. The survey provides insight into what passengers would like from their air travel experience.

Visit the Global Passenger Survey page to access the complete analysis.

(Source: IATA)

DusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives unveils events venue

Nirjhara embarks on resort expansions

Ayana Ball wins Earthcheck Gold

Trends: Thumbs up for slow travel

Kunming attracts Southeast Asian travellers

Lufthansa Group scales up summer flights

Etihad launches four new destinations

Dusit Thani Bangkok among top 100 hotels

Emirates’ facial recognition: Speedy, Seamless, Secure

Travel: The mobile and digital revolution

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