An increased reliance on airport security to counter the threats of terrorism along with many other issues has led to the need to infallibly identify both personnel and travellers. In this arena, biometrics technologies have reached maturity, and are able to identify people with greater speed, certainty and security than other competing methods.

Frequent traveller programs using biometrics have been rolled out at several airports worldwide to shorten passengers' waiting time spent at border checkpoints while minimising border control officers' dutieis and therefore minimising operational costs through automation. Furthermore, biometric solutions are also frequently being deployed to secure access to sensitive areas of airports such as the tower and tarmac.

This 'Suitability of biometrics at airports. Case study of the eBorders Concept in the UAE' presentation was prepared for and presented at the international Airport Industry 2005 conference in Moscow to give an overview of possible applications of biometrics at airports and the suitability of technologies most commonly used.