Iris scanning 'to become more widespread'

The use of technology that collects biometric data via iris scanning is set to grow, according to one expert.

Iris scanning has been increasingly rolled out at airports around the world in recent years and this growth looks likely to continue, a spokesperson for security firm Aditech said.

He added that iris scanning - which is used at Birmingham, Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester airports - is the most accurate method out of all of the biometric systems in use today.

"It is able to identify an individual within a couple of seconds from a database of millions … You don't have to touch anything. All you have to do is look at what is effectively a camera and it takes an image of your iris," he explained.

The comments came after life assistance firm CPP published research suggesting that 70 per cent of Britons would like to see UK airports implement more hi-tech security measures, such as fingerprinting and iris scanning.

• Skyteam passengers offered Wi-Fi access at London Heathrow
• Virgin Atlantic orders new Airbus planes
• Qantas extends online check-in
• World's first Lonely Planet store to open in Sydney
• British Airways launches new long-haul plane
• US Airways offering complimentary Wi-Fi
• Free audio books launched by oneworld
• Oneworld brings travel stations to New York, Stockholm
• New inflight entertainment offering from Virgin Atlantic
• Qantas' A380 seat wins award