What is biometrics in an airport?

Biometric technology enables the automatic identification of passengers using their unique physical characteristics, such as facial features, fingerprints or iris scans.
This system, used at security checkpoints, replaces traditional documents and helps reduce queues at every stage of the process, from check-in to boarding.
At Marseille Provence Airport, passengers can move quickly through the various security checks by simply presenting a QR code linked to their biometric data.

What does the Biometric Journey at Marseille work?

The simplified process begins either at the kiosks in Terminal 1, where you can obtain a biometric boarding pass, or by creating a profile on the airport’s mobile app that can be reused for future journeys.
Whether at the kiosk or via the app, you simply scan your identity document and take a photo of your face to create your unique biometric profile. This quick step generates your secure biometric boarding pass.
With it, you can move quickly and contactlessly through the various checkpoints, from bag drop to boarding, using straightforward facial recognition.
 

How can I use the Biometric Journey?

The service is available to adult passengers with valid identification (national identity card, passport or residence permit) travelling on an Air Corsica flight.

Registration requires either a smartphone compatible with the airport mobile app, or use of the kiosks in Terminal 1.

Passengers must accept the terms of use and give their consent for the processing of their personal data.

How is my personal data protected?

Our innovative biometric system complies with the principles set out by the CNIL (French Data Protection Authority), thanks to its unique decentralised architecture. In practice, no facial data is stored on our servers or those of the airlines.

Marseille Provence Airport uses an ANSSI-certified service provider for identity verification (PVID), which applies strict encryption protocols and secures access to your biometric boarding pass via your phone’s security features.

Your biometric template, encoded in the QR code of your boarding pass, cannot be deciphered without the matching cryptographic keys.

No centralised database stores this sensitive information; only automated systems can access it via the QR code when you present your boarding pass.

Marseille Provence Airport guarantees compliance with European Regulation 2016/679, on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data, Law 78-17 on information technology, files and freedoms, and EDPB Opinion 11/2024 on facial recognition in airports.

What are the advantages of the biometric journey?

The Biometric Journey simplifies your airport experience by providing you with a biometric boarding pass that allows you to:
•    Drop off your luggage at check-in at any time on the day of your flight
•    Check in and drop off your hold luggage in under five minutes
•    Benefit from fast-track boarding by presenting only your biometric pass

 

Can I travel without ID if I have my biometric boarding pass on my phone?

No. In accordance with the regulations on identity documents required for air travel, you must be able to prove your identity with an official document at all times during your journey.

Make sure you carry a valid identity document with you; consult Service-Public.fr to check which documents are accepted depending on your destination and nationality.