Emirates to use face scanners to cut waits as US ban looms

Emirates is introducing facial recognition technology to shorten passengers’ waits at immigration and check-in counters, a move that comes as the US revives a ban that could complicate air travel from the Middle East. Passengers will be able to upload biometric details such as ‘selfies’ to their smartphones, and use the data to scan through boarding gates and other checkpoints at Emirates’ Dubai hub, the carrier said. The technology, which will be rolled out over the next 18 months, will also facilitate access to immigration counters at airports. Emirates’ announcement comes as travel from the Middle East becomes more onerous and the region’s carriers struggle with some of the toughest business conditions in decades. <br/>