Miami International Opens Facial Recognition Passport Screening Facility
The Concourse E facility opened Feb. 27 after a ribbon-cuttting ceremony. Since launching a facial recognition pilot program in November, the facility has been screening as many as 10 passengers per minute.
Officials from the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate Miami International Airport's newly renovated Concourse E federal inspection facility for international arrivals. The department said the facility, opened Feb. 27, is the first in the country completely dedicated to providing expedited passport screening via facial recognition technology.
"Miami International Airport, in partnership with CBP, has introduced yet another cutting-edge enhancement that improves the international arrival experience for visitors to our community. Congratulations to the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and our federal partners for continuing to simplify passport screening at Florida's busiest international gateway," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez.
Since launching a facial recognition pilot program in November, the Concourse E facility has been screening as many as 10 passengers per minute, according to the department's announcement, which says in addition to providing the latest in expedited passport screening technology, the new facility reduces the walking distance for Concourse E and F passengers who previously had access only to the Concourse D passport hall.
"Aside from welcoming 96 percent of all visitors to Miami, our airport also welcomes 70 percent of international passengers to Florida. With improvements like the new Concourse E passport clearance facility, MIA continues to deliver on its commitment to providing a world-class experience for travelers," said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Rebeca Sosa, who chairs the county's Economic Development and Tourism Committee.
Miami International Airport is the country's third-busiest airport for international passengers.