Late security checks are evolving. Travelers may soon board planes without presenting physical IDs, simply by showing their face. This capability is now a reality at seven Spanish airports, thanks to Alicante based Facephi technology. The company specializes in software development and authentication, and a contract with Aena signed in 2021 is moving this project toward full implementation across facilities gradually.
Facephi, led by Javier Mira, notes that the facial recognition option is already in use at seven airports across the country. The key hubs include Madrid Barajas, Barcelona El Prat, Palma de Mallorca, Gran Canaria, Tenerife North, Ibiza, and Menorca. Not all carriers offer this service to travelers yet. Presently, Air Europa, Binter, Iberia, and Vueling are the airlines reported to support this facial identification feature.
Here’s how it works
Facephi has designed a seamless registration and authentication flow that can be completed online through the Aena app or in person at airports. The process involves automatic document capture, a traveler selfie for facial verification, and biometric comparison against the image on the identification document.
After registration, passengers can access security checks and boarding gates via facial recognition. This eliminates the need to constantly present physical documents, though travelers should still carry their ID as a precaution. The goal is to streamline the entire journey from check-in to boarding.
This project, with significant participation from major airlines, aims to enhance the flight experience at every step. It integrates biometric solutions into security lanes, boarding gates, and mobile applications for a smoother journey.
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According to the company, the technology marks a meaningful advance in adapting airports to a digital and connected world. The ability to offer a contactless flight experience, while maintaining high security, shows how technology can boost both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The shift toward contactless processes is part of a broader trend in modern travel.
The company emphasizes that its authentication solutions adhere to ethical biometrics, strictly following ISO standards and the RGPD legal framework. This approach prioritizes privacy and the protection of personal data during biometric processing.
Facephi is an Alicante based technology company focused on identity protection and verification. Its solutions aim to create safer, more accessible, and fraud resistant processes that reduce identity theft through responsible data handling. With headquarters in Spain and subsidiaries across Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, Facephi has more than a decade of experience and a diverse client base spanning over 25 countries.