No check-in, no queues: Dubai airport expands AI ‘Red Carpet’ smart corridor
Latest system verifies passengers in 6 to 14 seconds
DUBAI International Airport, already the world’s busiest hub for international passenger traffic, has unveiled a major expansion of its ‘Red Carpet’ smart corridor at Terminal 3.
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai confirmed that the cutting-edge service will soon cover both departing and arriving passengers.
AI passport control
The system, launched in collaboration with Dubai Airports, allows travellers to clear passport control in seconds without presenting any travel documents. Using advanced artificial intelligence, the smart corridor can handle up to 10 passengers simultaneously, cutting average processing time to just 6–14 seconds.
Passengers walking through the corridor bypass the traditional queues, counters and manual passport scans. Instead, discreet sensors automatically recognise faces and verify identities in real time, enabling a seamless immigration experience while maintaining the highest levels of security.
‘Red Carpet’ corridor
According to the GDRFA, the ‘Red Carpet’ corridor doubles processing capacity and is the first system of its kind in the world. Artificial intelligence identifies passengers in advance, flags suspicious cases for manual checks, and ensures compliance with strict aviation safety standards.
Smoother journeys
Travellers who tested the service described it as faster and more intuitive than automated lanes trialled at airports such as London Heathrow and New York JFK. The innovation is designed to ease congestion during peak periods, improve passenger flow, and enhance Dubai’s global reputation for technological excellence in aviation.
Expansion ahead
The AI corridor is currently available at Terminal 3 for selected travellers. Authorities confirmed that its rollout across both departures and arrivals will further boost Dubai International Airport’s capacity and streamline travel for families and groups moving through simultaneously.