5 reflections on IATA’s call for the rapid adoption of digital identity technology

As I sat in my office on Friday afternoon reflecting on the past week, I couldn’t help but think about how much travel has changed – and how much better it’s becoming. From digital pre-clearance to biometric verification, digital identity is transforming the travel journey for everyone—making it faster, more secure, and more efficient.

But for the industry to fully unlock its potential, we need to move beyond pilots and fragmented deployments. At the Sydney Leaders Week Conference, IATA’s call for action reinforces what we’ve long known: the time to scale digital identity is now.

Here’s why:

1. Security and efficiency don’t have to be trade-offs

For years, airports, airlines and governments have struggled to balance security with a frictionless travel experience. Too often, one has come at the expense of the other.

Digital identity changes that. By verifying travelers instantly, it strengthens security while keeping passengers moving. Governments can combat fraud more effectively; airports can reduce bottlenecks at critical touchpoints and airlines can drive cost savings through faster turnaround time while being certain passenger data is accurate.

2. Piecemeal solutions won’t get us there

Many in the industry have embraced digital identity in isolated projects but without interoperability, we risk creating a patchwork of disconnected experiences across different borders, airlines, and airports.

An open, industry-wide approach—where systems work together seamlessly—is the only way to make digital identity truly scalable and valuable for everyone.

3. Operational improvements at every stage of the journey

The benefits of digital identity extend far beyond the traveler’s convenience. A more streamlined verification process has a powerful ripple effect across the entire industry.

• Fewer delays at check-in, bag drop, and security
• Reduced congestion at boarding and border control
• More efficient passenger flow, minimizing operational disruptions

For governments, airlines, and airports, this translates to increased throughput, lower costs and an improved travel experience.

4. Passengers are ready—are we?

Passengers already expect a faster, digital-first experience. Our research shows:

• 66% would pay to use biometrics for travel
• 75% are comfortable with using a digital ID on their smartphone

The demand is clear. The question is, will the industry move quickly enough to meet it?

5. Collaboration will determine success

No single entity can make digital identity work alone. Governments, airlines, airports and technology providers must align on a privacy-first framework that prioritizes security and transparency.

With many governments already implementing digital IDs for other services, extending this to travel through Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs) is a logical next step.

The big picture

The technology is ready. Solutions like SITA Digital Travel ID help governments enhance border security, enable airlines to streamline operations, and allow airports to improve passenger flow—all while reducing costs and inefficiencies.

Now is the time for us to move beyond experimentation and make digital identity the standard. If we work together, we can build a future where travel is not just faster, but smarter, safer, and more connected than ever before.

Are we ready to take that step—together?