Nearly half of air travellers are now using artificial intelligence (AI) to plan their trips, reflecting the growing role of digital tools in travel decisions, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The finding is contained in IATA’s 2026 Global Passenger Survey (GPS), released on October 28, 2026.
The survey also highlights rising interest in biometric identification and digital passports, alongside continued concerns about immigration procedures and data privacy.
The survey found that 49% of passengers had used AI for travel planning, with applications ranging from flight searches to destination discovery.
Among passengers who had used AI:
IATA said the findings show that airlines need to adapt their digital services as passengers increasingly use AI when making travel decisions.
AI adoption varied across regions, with the Middle East recording the highest share at 72%, followed by Asia-Pacific at 57% and Africa at 52%. North America recorded 47%, Latin America and the Caribbean 43%, while Europe had the lowest share at 35%.
The survey also found growing passenger acceptance of biometric identification and digital travel documents, as travellers seek faster airport processes.
However, concerns about data security remain, with 59% of respondents worried about potential data breaches.
Immigration requirements are also influencing travel decisions. The survey found that 43% of passengers had been discouraged from visiting a destination because of immigration requirements, up from 33% in 2025.
Careen said electronic visas could make travel easier but stressed the need for common standards. More than 100 countries issue e-visas, but differences in verification processes continue to complicate their use.
Regional findings showed that passenger satisfaction was highest in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, at 90% each, followed by Africa at 89% and Europe at 84%. The Middle East also recorded the strongest interest in digital passports, at 91%, while Africa stood at 87%.
Nigeria has also taken steps to introduce digital identity and verification systems across its aviation sector.
In April 2026, the Federal Government approved the rollout of the VPASS biometric passenger identity verification system to strengthen airport security and improve passenger identification.
IATA said its 2026 Global Passenger Survey drew more than 10,000 responses from passengers across over 200 countries, providing insight into changing expectations around air travel and airport services.
