European travellers show greater caution towards artificial intelligence and biometric identification than passengers globally, according to IATA’s 2026 Global Passenger Survey. The findings highlight a challenge for tourism businesses introducing technology designed to simplify holidays and airport journeys.
Only 35% of European respondents reported using AI for travel planning, compared with 49% worldwide. Meanwhile, 70% would share biometric information to avoid repeatedly presenting travel documents, below the global figure of 78%.
Released on 28 October, the survey gathered more than 10,000 responses from over 200 countries. Its findings suggest that digital convenience needs clear explanations and confidence in personal data handling.
European Border Changes Reshape Arrivals
The findings arrive as digital border management changes the experience of entering participating European destinations. The EU’s Entry/Exit System became fully operational at external Schengen border crossings on 10 April 2026.
The system records travel-document details, facial images, fingerprints and entry and exit information for eligible non-EU short-stay visitors. It replaces traditional passport stamping for those within its scope.
Eligible travellers from markets including India, the United Kingdom and the United States therefore face different arrival procedures. However, nationality alone does not determine every requirement.
EU citizens and certain other categories remain exempt, including qualifying residence-permit and long-stay visa holders. Understanding the applicable procedure can help visitors prepare for their journey.
Data Concerns Accompany Faster Processing
Biometric identification offers the prospect of fewer repeated document checks. However, passengers also want reassurance about how organisations collect, store and share sensitive information.
Globally, 59% of survey respondents expressed concern about data breaches. Another 49% worried about information sharing with other organisations, while 41% identified unclear data-handling practices.
These percentages describe worldwide responses rather than European respondents specifically. Nevertheless, they highlight questions that airports and airlines must address when introducing biometric services.
European data-protection authorities have also emphasised safeguards for airport facial recognition. Protecting biometric information and preserving appropriate individual control remain central considerations.
AI Changes How Travellers Discover Destinations
AI increasingly influences the earliest stages of holiday planning. Worldwide, 21% of respondents had used it to search for flights to a particular destination.
Another 19% had sought cheaper flights through AI, while 17% had used it for travel inspiration. These applications could influence which destinations and journeys passengers consider.
For tourism businesses, that creates opportunities to improve discovery and answer practical questions. However, useful recommendations must connect travellers with accurate information.
Passengers still need to verify entry requirements, baggage conditions, cancellation terms and current prices before booking. An appealing itinerary does not establish that every suggested arrangement meets their needs.
Regional Differences Call for Different Approaches
European caution contrasts with stronger reported adoption elsewhere. In the Middle East, 72% of respondents had used AI for travel planning.
The region also recorded 84% willingness to share biometric information for airport processes. Interest in digital passports for online check-in reached 91%.
Across Asia-Pacific, reported AI use stood at 57%. North America recorded the highest reported experience of biometrics, at 63%.
These measures describe different behaviours and preferences, so businesses should avoid treating them as interchangeable. The results also do not establish why every regional difference exists.
Instead, airlines and destinations need to understand their own passengers when designing digital services.
Immigration Complexity Can Discourage Holidays
Technology does not remove every obstacle to international travel. Worldwide, 43% of respondents said immigration requirements had discouraged them from visiting a destination.
That proportion increased from 33% in 2025. Among those deterred, 53% identified excessive complexity as a problem.
For destinations competing for visitors, this matters before passengers reach an airport. Uncertainty around applications and documentation can influence whether travellers proceed with their plans.
Clear instructions and accessible application processes could help reduce that uncertainty. Tourism businesses can also support customers by distinguishing booking information from entry requirements.
Trust Will Shape the Visitor Experience
The survey presents a practical priority for Europe’s tourism sector: make digital journeys understandable as well as convenient. Passengers need clear instructions and accessible assistance when unfamiliar systems become part of their trip.
Airlines, airports and travel providers can strengthen confidence by explaining what technology does and how they handle information. They should also communicate eligibility and procedural differences clearly.
For holidaymakers, preparation remains valuable as airport processes evolve. Checking applicable requirements before departure can reduce uncertainty, while trustworthy digital services could make the wider journey easier to navigate.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire https://www.globaltravelwire.com/
