Passengers Want Automated Security and Border Control
A Centre for Aviation survey of 10,675 travelers in 153 countries finds security and border control are the biggest airport pain points.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Air Travel
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Would you prefer airports automate security and border checks to speed up your travel?
A Centre for Aviation survey of 10,675 respondents across 153 countries found that passengers most want security and border control automated first. Respondents also expressed strong interest in greater personal control over airport processes.
Why it matters
The findings signal that travelers are seeking more direct control over airport processes, which could shape how airports prioritize technology investments. Automation of security and border checks addresses the stages passengers report as most frustrating.
The Centre for Aviation surveyed 10,675 respondents, and 64% want a single biometric identifier for all travel processes. Kiosk satisfaction stood at 90% among users, though the survey does not measure actual wait-time reductions.
The players
Centre for Aviation
The Centre for Aviation is an aviation industry research and data organization that conducts market surveys and publishes airport and airline analysis.
The details
Travelers want real-time information sent to their personal devices, with 63% in favor, and 85% want to check flight status. Majorities also want to self-board, with 72% preferring it, and to self-tag bags, with 68% in favor.
Timeline
Article on the survey results was published on 1 November 2026.
Travel Outlook
Automated immigration kiosk use rose from 52% to 58% in a single year, indicating that airport self-service is gaining mainstream acceptance across international travel. Passenger demand for self-service at security, boarding, and baggage now runs alongside this shift.
Travelers who want to minimize airport delays can check whether their destination airport offers automated immigration kiosks before booking. Enabling real-time flight alerts on a personal device also helps travelers track gate and status changes without waiting at the counter.
The takeaway
Airports that automate security and border control first may meet the clearest passenger demand. Travelers can prepare by enabling mobile alerts and using self-service options where available.
Further reading
Explore more on Air Travel to see how airports are changing check-in, security, and boarding.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Phocuswire.
Live Poll
Would you prefer airports automate security and border checks to speed up your travel?
