Governments advancing new global baseline for secure, convenient and inclusive travel
International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) TRIP 2025 Symposium will accelerate the implementation of trusted identity technology everywhere, at borders and beyond.
Governments advancing new global baseline for secure, convenient and inclusive travelMontréal, 5 November 2025 - To enable billions of individuals to securely prove their identity at borders and in daily life, governments are deliberating steps to implement advanced identity technologies and standards at today’s ICAO TRIP Symposium.
“Everyone deserves secure proof of their identity, and everyone deserves the freedom to fly. That is why billions of people are counting on the work we do at the ICAO TRIP Symposium,” stated ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano in his opening remarks.
Automation, interoperability, and robust data exchange are now becoming foundational elements of border management, and progress is accelerating.
Already, 165 ICAO Member States have issued more than a billion electronic machine-readable travel documents. These can be validated instantly and worldwide through the ICAO Public Key Directory, which enables governments to confirm the authenticity of these documents. New ICAO Digital Travel Credentials and barcode specifications are also expanding access to seamless and contactless journeys by providing solutions for all countries, including those with limited infrastructure.
The stakes are considerable, as global passenger traffic is projected to triple within the next 25 years – while air transport will carry 4.6 billion passengers in 2025, ICAO forecasts 12.4 billion passengers annually by 2050. Last month’s 42nd ICAO Assembly adopted resolutions to implement the ICAO Strategic Plan for 2050, which envisions air transport for everyone, everywhere, with zero fatalities and net zero carbon emissions. Secure and inclusive identity management for all will be key to achieving this objective.
These best practices will ensure that the global flight network has the capacity to process growing numbers of passengers while increasing the security and convenience of their trips. Achieving universal application of the most advanced technologies and processes will eliminate the digital divide and ensure accessibility for all travellers and inclusivity of all Member States.
As the 20th TRIP Symposium continues, the international community’s attention will be focused on the pace at which these solutions can be realized. Their deliberations will conclude on 6 November 2025.
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Leading international civil aviation as a crucial driver of social and economic development, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is accelerating progress towards zero fatalities and net-zero carbon emissions in air transport for everyone, everywhere, in line with its Long-Term Strategic Plan for 2050. ICAO works with its 193 Member States and all air transport stakeholders to develop standards and policies for international civil aviation and undertakes planning and capacity building activities to support their implementation by Member States.
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