Astana Airport to Test AI-Powered Passenger Verification

Astana International Airport is planning to launch a pilot project for AI-driven biometric passenger identification. The technology is expected to streamline pre-flight procedures and significantly reduce wait times for travelers.

The draft order was prepared by the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan and published on the "Open NPA" portal for public discussion through November 4, 2026. According to the explanatory note, the system aims to optimize passenger processing and bolster security, although details regarding its operational mechanism, rollout dates, and biometric data handling protocols have not yet been specified.

Biometric solutions are not entirely new to the capital's airport. In 2023, the Ministry of Transport tested a system designed to simplify flight check-in procedures. Additionally, Kazakhstan utilizes Q-Gate, an automated border control system that relies on facial recognition and passport data, currently operational at airports in Astana and Almaty.

While this project marks another milestone in the digitization of passenger handling, officials emphasize that it is too early to speak of widespread deployment or mandatory biometric checks for all travelers.