A recent survey by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revealed that air travelers are increasingly adopting digital technologies to enhance their travel experience. In 2026, 58% of passengers used biometrics at least once during their journey, up from 50% in 2025. The survey, which polled over 10,000 passengers from more than 200 countries, also found that 87% of respondents were satisfied with their biometric experience.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is also becoming more prevalent, with 49% of travelers using AI to organize their trips, primarily for searching flights, finding the best fares, and seeking inspiration for their next destination. Nick Careen, IATA's Senior Vice President, emphasized that airlines must allow passengers to book directly from AI tools to maximize the benefits of this technology.
Despite the growing adoption of digital technologies, the survey highlighted that entry formalities remain a significant deterrent for many travelers. A substantial 43% of respondents reported abandoning a destination due to complex entry procedures, up from 33% in the previous year. The main reason cited was the complexity of the process (53%), followed by cost and confidentiality concerns (17% each).
Travelers are eager to simplify the immigration process, with 86% willing to transmit their immigration information before departure, 60% preferring to apply for visas online, and 45% wanting to complete all formalities before arriving at the airport. However, the lack of standardization in e-visa verification processes across countries is a major obstacle.
The survey also revealed regional disparities in the adoption of digital technologies and satisfaction with travel experiences. The Middle East leads in AI adoption (72%) and interest in digital passports (91%), while the Asia-Pacific region reports the highest satisfaction rate (90%). In contrast, Africa is the most affected by immigration barriers (52% of travelers discouraged), despite a strong interest in digital tools.
The Americas and Europe exhibit distinct trends, with North America leading in biometric usage (63%) but also expressing concerns about data security. Latin America and the Caribbean show the highest increase in satisfaction (+5 points) and a strong desire to streamline immigration processes. Europe, on the other hand, is more cautious, with lower satisfaction rates (84%) and below-average adoption of AI (35%) and biometrics (47%).
IATA is calling on governments to adopt common standards and simplify entry requirements to facilitate seamless travel experiences. With over 100 countries already issuing electronic visas, the organization emphasizes the need for harmonization to reduce travel complexities and enhance passenger satisfaction.
Key points
- 58% of air travelers used biometrics in 2026, up from 50% in 2025
- 43% of passengers abandon destinations due to complex entry formalities
- IATA calls for governments to adopt common standards and simplify entry requirements
