Miami Airport opens new facility for passport screening

Miami International Airport in the US has opened its newly renovated Concourse E federal inspection facility, providing expedited passport screening through facial recognition.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new international arrivals facility was hosted by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The new technology verifies the identity of a passenger by matching with the documents they present and is set to shorten the processing time.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said: “Miami International Airport, in partnership with CBP, has introduced yet another cutting-edge enhancement that improves the international arrival experience for visitors to our community.

“Congratulations to the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and our federal partners for continuing to simplify passport screening at Florida’s busiest international gateway.”

The cameras connected to the facial recognition system at the boarding area capture photographs of passengers’ faces, which are then matched to the customs database of passport, visa or immigration records.

Initially, the facial recognition machines were installed at the airport’s newly renovated Concourse E under a pilot programme that started in November last year. Since then, the facility has been screening almost ten passengers per minute.

Alongside the facial recognition, the airport also provides passport clearance through Global Entry kiosks and the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app for select flights that arrive at concourses E and F.

Miami-Dade County commissioner Rebeca Sosa said: “Aside from welcoming 96% of all visitors to Miami, our airport also welcomes 70% of international passengers to Florida.

“With improvements like the new Concourse E passport clearance facility, MIA continues to deliver on its commitment to providing a world-class experience for travellers.”

MDAD operates Miami International Airport.