Hong Kong International Airport has been named the world’s best airport and now holds the One ID certification from IATA. The award shows the airport meets a global benchmark for digital identity, which could change the way you travel.

Hong Kong International Airport received the One ID certification from IATA, confirming it follows international rules for digital identity, biometric technology and passenger privacy. It also shows the airport protects passenger data with the same standards airlines use.

With the new system, travelers can walk through security, immigration and boarding gates by simply looking at a camera. Facial recognition replaces the need to repeatedly show passports and boarding passes at each checkpoint.

Since its launch in 2021, more than 93 million passengers have used the Flight Token facial‑recognition system, and over 80 % of departing travelers are now eligible to use it throughout the whole departure process, IATA reports. A 2026 IATA Global Passenger Survey also showed that 78 % of travelers would be willing to share biometric data to avoid handling physical documents.

Airport Authority Hong Kong CEO Vivian Cheung said the certification will help expand the technology beyond Hong Kong through cooperation with airlines, airports and government authorities. For passengers, this could mean faster, smoother journeys not only in Hong Kong but at many airports worldwide.