Travellers around the world will soon experience a transformation in air travel as the aviation industry moves towards a fully paperless system. This development was announced during the 4th edition of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Facilitation Meeting, held in Doha, Qatar.
Organized under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of Transport, the two-day conference was hosted in collaboration with ICAO. It aimed to address the fast-paced changes in civil aviation and enhance safe, seamless, and inclusive international mobility.
The high-level gathering brought together ministers of transport and key stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving the role of air transport facilitation in connecting global communities. A major highlight was the introduction of initiatives to advance international mobility and streamline passenger experiences.
Among the most groundbreaking innovations discussed was the Digital Travel Credential (DTC) system.
Aviation experts hailed the DTC as the most significant advancement in air travel in over 50 years. The system is designed to replace traditional boarding passes and check-in procedures with biometric and digital identity technology, enabling a more efficient and secure travel experience.
The DTC will allow travelers to securely store their passport data on their smartphones, generating a dynamic “journey pass” that updates automatically in response to itinerary changes.
Qatar’s successful hosting of this global event underscores its strategic focus on aviation diplomacy and long-term investments in the industry. It also aligns with the country’s
National Vision 2030, which aims to elevate Qatar’s international profile in the aviation sector.
With participation from over 190 transport ministers, the conference concluded with the Doha Declaration on the Facilitation of International Air Transport, reinforcing global commitment to modernizing and enhancing the travel experience.
Source: DATV