Voluntary program aims to reduce wait times for US citizens returning from international travel as summer season approaches
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is expanding its facial biometric verification system to streamline customs processing for international travelers, airport officials announced in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) program uses facial comparison technology to verify returning U.S. citizens by matching their faces against passport images already in CBP’s database, reducing administrative tasks for customs officers and potentially cutting processing times significantly.
“Technology is driving the way for more efficient passenger operations,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which manages the airport. “Innovative programs like EPP can significantly reduce processing times for passengers, without compromising security.”
The facial recognition system, which has been in testing at MCO since 2019, is expected to be fully deployed in time for the summer travel season, primarily in Terminal C. Early results suggest passengers using the system could complete the boarding process in less than 15 minutes.
Airport officials emphasized the need for more efficient processing solutions as international travel rebounds. “MCO saw an increase of more than 800,000 international arrivals in 2024 than in 2023, many of them U.S. citizens who would benefit from this program,” Lyttle said.
The GOAA selected iProov, a biometric solutions company, to implement the technology across the airport. Terminal C will be the primary focus for the expanded program, which aims to enhance customer experience as the airport handles up to 58 million annual passengers across its three terminals.
“Building on our strong relationships with key border agencies and the proven success of our on-the-move biometric screening, iProov is excited to support Orlando International Airport on EPP,” said Andrew Bud, founder and CEO of iProov. “Our biometric screening enhances the ability to accelerate international arrival processing while maintaining confidence in the identity of the individual.”
Airport authorities stress that participation in the program remains voluntary for U.S. citizens, addressing potential privacy concerns. Some privacy advocates have raised issues about the expanding use of facial recognition technology in airports, noting that as such systems become more integrated with various airport services, opting out could become increasingly inconvenient.
MCO’s passenger numbers have shown strong recovery from pandemic lows, climbing from 21.6 million in 2020 to over 57 million in both 2023 and 2024, according to data provided by the airport.
Key Takeaways
- Orlando International Airport is expanding facial biometric verification for returning U.S. citizens at customs.
- The system matches travelers’ faces to passport images already in CBP’s database.
- Participation is voluntary for U.S. citizens.
- The technology is expected to reduce processing times without compromising security.
- Full implementation is scheduled before the summer travel season begins.
