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Biometric Boarding in Russia Set for End-2025 Trials With Pulkovo Pilot

Sheremetyevo declares technical readiness pending legal changes.

Overview

  • The Transport Ministry, the Digital Development Ministry, the Center for Biometric Technologies and Aeroflot signed an agreement to introduce biometric identification in air travel.
  • Officials said passengers will be able to use biometrics as an alternative to passports for check-in and boarding, with traditional documents remaining available by choice.
  • Vice Premier Dmitry Grigorenko said preparation of the EBS-based "Migom" boarding service is nearing completion and confirmed Pulkovo as the testbed next year.
  • Sheremetyevo reported upgraded systems using certified cryptographic protections and said deployment can begin quickly once sector rules are amended, noting about 10 million citizens have confirmed biometrics.
  • Authorities project broader availability in major hubs in 2028–2029 and mass adoption by around 2030, with trials planned by end-2025 and coordination required with security services.