To enhance the precautionary measures of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as safety for passengers and staff, Changi Airport is looking to implement Facial and Iris scanning instead of fingerprint scanning as the primary biometric identifier for travelers at its immigration clearance at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

It will allow passengers whose facial and iris data have been enrolled by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to keep out the need to use the fingerprint scanner for identity verification. However, they will still be required to scan their passports as per current requirements.

Passengers will just have to look into the facial and iris scan cameras. Moreover, Changi Airport Group’s (CAG) said that passengers will be prompted to scan their fingerprint only when identification via facial and iris scans are unsuccessful or if the passengers have yet to enroll their facial and iris biometrics with ICA.

Travelers will also be able to easily operate self check-in and baggage drop machines without touching them. Another trial is underway to allow them to operate lifts without touching the buttons as well.

These new facilities were showcased during the media briefing at Changi Airport Terminal 3 on Wednesday (July 1).

Tan Lye Teck, the CAG executive vice president for airport management, stated, “Passengers will expect airports to deliver the highest standards of safety and hygiene to give them peace of mind during their journey, and we will rapidly bring on board new measures as we go into a new normal for air travel,” in press briefing.

“The CAG will work with other aviation partners to instill a high sense of confidence among travelers going through Changi Airport when air travel eventually resumes,” he added.

Through above new facilities, all passengers will be able to travel through Changi Airport with minimum contact with staff and surfaces amid the coronavirus pandemic.