The major airports in Switzerland have submitted plans to introduce facial recognition software into the passenger experience. Officials hope the new technology will allow travellers to use their face to fast-track check-in and security, and access services.
Speaking to RTS, Geneva Airport Technical Director Massimo Gentile confirmed that they are looking into introducing facial recognition software. The project would see facial recognition cameras introduced at airports in Geneva, Zurich and others across Switzerland, in a bid to make the passenger experience more efficient.
"The passenger's face would become their boarding pass," Gentile explained. "When a passenger arrives at the airport, they will have a first point of contact at which they would have to check in…From that moment on, the biometric image can be used at all airport points where boarding pass or document recognition is required."
Gentile noted that the system is “very reliable” and is better at identifying security risks than regular airport workers and the police. He went on to confirm reports from January 2025 that they had already purchased equipment that is “ready for biometrics”, but assured that they have not been switched on.
Though Swiss airports are keen to put the technology through its paces, RTS noted that they lack the legal basis to start using the technology. The government is expected to include facial recognition scanning as part of its revision to the Aviation Act, but this is not expected until 2026.
For Christian Fehrlin, CEO of Swiss-based security firm Ava-X, the new law should reflect the fact that facial recognition software is inevitable. "We have a golden opportunity to position Switzerland as a hub for artificial intelligence, just as the United Kingdom is doing, thanks to our position outside the European Union," he told RTS.
For others, the testing of facial recognition software presents serious challenges for both data privacy and security. In January, for example, news outlet Saldo reported that airports and airlines, both Swiss and international, would be able to access the data under the new Aviation Act.
This raises concerns that travellers’ data could be spread by non-EU airlines, which are subject to more relaxed data protection laws. Saldo added that for their part, the umbrella association of the Swiss aviation industry, Aero Swiss, and flag carrier SWISS have called on the government to allow airlines and airports to process passenger biometric data without the passenger’s consent.
Speaking back in January, legal expert and president of the Grundrechte association Viktor Györffy told Blick that "The processing of biometric data is an infringement of personal rights.” He called on the government to give strict legal protections to passengers and their data.
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