Nearly half of air travellers are actually utilizing synthetic intelligence (AI) to plan their journeys, reflecting the rising position of digital instruments in travel choices, based on the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The discovering is contained in IATA’s 2026 Global Passenger Survey (GPS), launched on October 28, 2026.
The survey additionally highlights rising curiosity in biometric identification and digital passports, alongside continued issues about immigration procedures and information privateness.
49% of air travellers now ise AI
The survey discovered that 49% of passengers had used AI for travel planning, with purposes starting from flight searches to vacation spot discovery.
Among passengers who had used AI:
- 21% used it to look for flights to a particular vacation spot.
- 19% used it to search out the most affordable accessible flights.
- 17% used it to get inspiration for locations.
IATA stated the findings present that airways must adapt their digital providers as passengers more and more use AI when making travel choices.
- “People are using AI to plan their travel. It’s important for airlines not only to ensure their offerings show up in AI, but also to develop convenient links to convert an AI conversation into a real booking,” stated Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety and Security.
AI adoption different throughout areas, with the Middle East recording the very best share at 72%, adopted by Asia-Pacific at 57% and Africa at 52%. North America recorded 47%, Latin America and the Caribbean 43%, whereas Europe had the bottom share at 35%.
Biometrics and digital passports achieve floor
The survey additionally discovered rising passenger acceptance of biometric identification and digital travel paperwork, as travellers search sooner airport processes.
- About 58% of passengers had skilled biometric identification throughout an airport journey within the earlier 12 months, up from 50% in 2025 and 24 share factors increased than in 2022. Satisfaction amongst those that used the expertise stood at 87%, in contrast with 86% a yr earlier.
- 78% have been prepared to share biometric data to keep away from repeatedly presenting passports and boarding passes.
- Among these prepared to share their data, 75% most popular to register it as soon as upfront.
- 84% expressed curiosity in utilizing digital passports for on-line check-in.
- 82% have been concerned about sharing digital passport data with airways throughout reserving to obtain personalised providers, together with visa necessities.
However, issues about information safety stay, with 59% of respondents fearful about potential information breaches.
Immigration obstacles differ throughout areas
Immigration necessities are additionally influencing travel choices. The survey discovered that 43% of passengers had been discouraged from visiting a vacation spot as a result of of immigration necessities, up from 33% in 2025.
- Among these affected, 53% cited the complexity of the method, whereas 17% every pointed to privateness issues and value.
- Despite these obstacles, 86% of passengers have been prepared to share immigration data digitally earlier than departure, in contrast with 83% in 2025. Also, 45% most popular to finish immigration procedures earlier than arriving on the airport, whereas 60% favoured making use of for visas on-line.
Careen stated digital visas might make travel simpler however burdened the necessity for frequent requirements. More than 100 international locations challenge e-visas, however variations in verification processes proceed to complicate their use.
Regional findings confirmed that passenger satisfaction was highest in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, at 90% every, adopted by Africa at 89% and Europe at 84%. The Middle East additionally recorded the strongest curiosity in digital passports, at 91%, whereas Africa stood at 87%.
Nigeria expands digital airport expertise
Nigeria has additionally taken steps to introduce digital identification and verification techniques throughout its aviation sector.
In April 2026, the Federal Government authorized the rollout of the VPASS biometric passenger identification verification system to strengthen airport safety and enhance passenger identification.
IATA stated its 2026 Global Passenger Survey drew greater than 10,000 responses from passengers throughout over 200 international locations, offering perception into altering expectations round air travel and airport providers.
