The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has found that travelers are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI), biometric identification and digital passports to make air travel easier, while complex immigration and visa requirements continue to discourage international trips.
The findings come from IATA’s 2026 Global Passenger Survey (GPS), which highlights changing passenger expectations around airport technology, travel planning and border procedures. According to the survey, 49% of travelers have used AI for travel planning, while 43% have been discouraged from visiting a destination because of immigration requirements. The results point to growing demand for more convenient digital travel services alongside simpler entry procedures.
Biometrics Gain Acceptance as Digital Passports Attract Interest
The survey found that 58% of passengers experienced biometric identification during their airport journey in the past 12 months, up from 50% in 2025. Satisfaction among those who used the technology also remained high, with 87% reporting a positive experience, compared with 86% the previous year. In addition, 78% of travelers said they would be willing to share biometric information if it allowed them to avoid repeatedly presenting passports or boarding passes at airport checkpoints.
Interest in digital travel documents is also strong. 84% of respondents expressed interest in using a digital passport for online check-in, while 82% were interested in sharing one with an airline at the time of booking to receive more personalized services, including visa-related information. Another 82% showed interest in using a smartphone that combines a digital wallet, digital passport and loyalty cards to manage booking, payment and airport procedures. However, data security remains a major concern: 59% identified data breaches as a leading worry, while 49% were concerned about information being shared with other organizations.
AI Becomes an Increasingly Popular Travel Planning Tool
Artificial intelligence is becoming a more common part of the travel-planning process, with 49% of passengers saying they have used AI to plan a trip. The most common application was searching for flights to a specific destination, reported by 21% of respondents. Meanwhile, 19% had used AI to find the cheapest flights, and 17% had turned to the technology for inspiration about where to travel.
The findings highlight an emerging opportunity for airlines to connect AI assisted travel research with their booking services. As passengers increasingly use digital tools to compare options and discover destinations, airlines may need to make their fares and services easier to find through AI platforms. IATA Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security Nick Careen said airlines should ensure their offerings appear in AI powered searches and provide convenient ways for travelers to complete bookings after receiving recommendations. This shift could influence how travelers discover destinations and choose flights in the coming years.
Visa and Immigration Requirements Continue to Discourage Travel
Despite growing interest in digital travel services, immigration procedures remain a significant obstacle. The survey found that 43% of passengers had been discouraged from visiting a destination because of immigration requirements, an increase from 33% in 2025. Among travelers deterred by these requirements, 53% said the process was too complex, while 17% cited privacy concerns and another 17% pointed to the cost.
Passengers also expressed a clear preference for faster, more convenient and digital immigration procedures. 86% said they were likely to share immigration information digitally before departure, up from 83% in 2025, while 45% preferred completing immigration procedures before reaching the airport. The survey also found that 60% preferred applying for visas online, compared with 25% who favored applying in person at a consulate or embassy. IATA emphasized that wider use of electronic visas and common verification standards could help simplify travel, reduce repeated checks and improve the passenger experience.
Asia Pacific Reports High Satisfaction as Regional Preferences Differ
The regional findings show that passenger experiences and technology preferences vary considerably. Asia Pacific and the Middle East recorded the highest overall satisfaction with air travel, at 90% each. Asia Pacific passengers reported 61% biometric use and 57% AI use for travel planning, while 49% said immigration requirements had discouraged them from visiting a destination. In the Middle East, AI adoption was the highest of all regions at 72%, and interest in using digital passports for online check-in reached 91%.
Other regions showed different priorities and concerns. North America recorded the highest biometric use, at 63%, but also showed strong concern about data breaches; 35% of its passengers said immigration requirements had discouraged travel, the lowest regional figure. Africa recorded the highest proportion of travelers deterred by immigration requirements, at 52%, while Europe reported the lowest overall air travel satisfaction, at 84%, and the lowest AI use, at 35%. Latin America and the Caribbean recorded the largest year on year improvement in satisfaction, rising five percentage points to 85%. These differences underline the need for digital travel systems that are convenient, secure and responsive to regional passenger expectations.
