Major U.S. Airport Launches Biometric Screening Pilot Program

Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida has launched a pilot program to test new biometric exit screening systems in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The 90-day pilot program, called the Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) program, identifies passengers through biometric facial comparison.

“Travelers can get their faces scanned, as opposed to having to pull out identification documents for review,” Fox News stated.

Orlando Airport’s Bold Move into Facial Recognition

Orlando International Airport is testing new biometric technology to improve passenger experience and enhance safety as more than 56 million people pass through annually.https://t.co/M3QlpmzSZs

— Derrick Broze (@DBrozeLiveFree) December 12, 2025

Fox News has more:

Multiple passengers can board their international flights at the same time, due to the facial recognition cameras on the jetway.

Photographs are matched with government records and are deleted within 12 hours, according to the program.

Beginning Dec. 26, non-U.S. citizens will be required to use the biometric system — while U.S. citizens may opt out of it.

CBP official Diane Sabatino said in a press conference that enhanced passenger screening has already reduced times for travelers at Orlando by 43%.

“When we think about just a couple of seconds that they don’t have to get their passport, put bags down, move things — this is important to the efficiency of the entire process and not just to CBP, right?”

Orlando airport expands facial IDs for international flyers https://t.co/zxrHqZQn3E pic.twitter.com/6nRkHk55su

— Orlando Sentinel (@orlandosentinel) December 8, 2025

FOX 35 Orlando shared:

Three vendors will demonstrate their systems in real time, allowing airport leaders to evaluate which technologies may become part of MCO’s long-term security strategy.

CBP officials said faster processing for low-risk travelers would allow officers to focus more attention on higher-risk individuals.

ADVERTISEMENT

MCO says it is coordinating closely with airlines throughout the construction and testing phases to minimize disruptions.

Watch additional coverage below: