Airports worldwide are under increasing pressure to streamline operations and enhance the passenger journey, particularly when it comes to airport passenger security. As global travel continues to grow, so does the need for efficient, secure, and seamless airport processes. Integrating IATA-compliant airport access control systems at critical checkpoints can dramatically improve passenger flow and deliver a more positive travel experience.
Rising Passenger Numbers, Rising Challenges
Almost every traveller has encountered frustrating bottlenecks at airport security checkpoints. These delays not only impact passengers’ stress levels but also reduce the time they can spend in airport retail or dining areas. While online check-in and self-service bag drop stations have eased some of the congestion during the initial phases of travel, many airport operators still struggle with efficiency at later stages, particularly in the security and boarding areas.
In January 2025, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that 2024 had broken global air travel records, with a 10.4% increase in passenger demand compared to 2023. Major international airports such as Heathrow (83.9 million passengers), Athens International (31.85 million), and Atlanta International (108 million) have all reported record-breaking traffic. These impressive figures reflect a thriving aviation industry but highlight the growing urgency to manage passenger flow more effectively, especially through airport passenger security zones.
Smart Solutions for Better Passenger Flow
To address these challenges, airports are increasingly adopting AI-powered Passenger Flow Management (PFM) tools. These systems analyse traffic patterns and identify problem areas where wait times are long or resources are misallocated. However, PFM tools alone cannot resolve inefficiencies. When combined with Gunnebo airport gates, such as biometric airport gates, automated immigration gates, and automated boarding gates, airports can significantly boost both throughput and passenger satisfaction.
A Smarter Approach to Security and Access
Gunnebo’s access control technology is designed to support a seamless and secure passenger journey through all stages of airport entrance control. Whether during pre-security checks, immigration, lounge access, or boarding, Gunnebo systems offer robust, IATA-compliant identification methods that help enhance the flow of passengers through busy terminals.
Pre-Security Gate Control
Gunnebo’s AFL pre-security gates streamline the initial boarding pass verification process. These gates are capable of reading printed, kiosk-issued, or mobile boarding passes with speed and accuracy, enabling quicker access to departure zones.
Border Control and Immigration
For immigration and border control, Gunnebo’s ImmSec gates are advanced automated immigration gates equipped with readers that process smart ID cards, RFID passports, and Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs). These are true high-security airport gates, also integrated with biometric technology, ensuring fast and secure identity verification. As airport passenger security becomes more demanding, these features help maintain the balance between speed and strict security protocols.
Airline Lounge Access
Gunnebo’s Lounge Access gates allow for automated verification of boarding passes and frequent flyer memberships. Connected directly to airline databases, they ensure that only eligible passengers gain entry to exclusive airport lounges, improving efficiency for both passengers and airport staff.
Automated Boarding Gates
AFL automated boarding gates offer passengers a faster, more independent boarding process. Boarding passes are scanned and validated within milliseconds, easing staff workload and reducing queuing during final boarding calls.
The Biometric Future of Airport Travel
As biometric airport gates and facial recognition technologies continue to evolve, their application within airport access control systems is becoming more widespread. From check-in to boarding, biometric authentication allows for a more fluid, contactless experience. IATA’s prediction that future passenger numbers to double to eight billion by 2040 further highlights the importance of modernizing every stage of the airport journey.
Biometric access not only improves the speed of passenger identification but also reduces operational costs, alleviates pressure on airport infrastructure, and supports future scalability without major physical expansion. Gunnebo’s investment in biometric technologies positions it as a forward-thinking leader in smart airport solutions.
Enhanced Passenger Journeys Through Innovation
The shift toward self-service and automated solutions marks a pivotal step in improving the overall passenger experience. Innovations in airport passenger security—from pre-security to boarding—help airports maintain high safety standards while accommodating growing traveller numbers.
Gunnebo airport gates and biometric-driven airport access control systems support the creation of faster, safer, and more enjoyable travel experiences. Whether you’re managing international hubs or regional terminals, scalable solutions like these offer a practical and long-term strategy to meet rising demands.
Driving Future-Focused Airport Security Enhancements
As global travel demand continues to rise, adopting cutting-edge, IATA-approved technologies for airport entrance control becomes essential. With tools like high-security airport gates, automated boarding gates, and biometric airport gates, airports can remain agile and responsive to future growth.
Gunnebo airport gates empower operators to deliver streamlined, secure, and cost-effective passenger experiences—today and tomorrow.
