Airport to trial hotel flight check-ins

Macau International Airport plans to introduce hotel flight check-in and baggage storage services starting next January, along with a new facial recognition customs clearance system expected by the end of this month, the airport operator Macau International Airport Co. Ltd. (CAM) announced late last week.

“We will start with the hotels, and if we successfully promote the service, we will gradually extend it to other locations,” said Chan Weng Hong, chairman of CAM’s Executive Committee. He described the hotel service as “a value-added service that involves extensive preparation with different airlines and ground services.” Initially, it will partner with three hotels located in Macau’s central and northern districts.

The facial recognition system aims to streamline security processes by eliminating the need for multiple ID checks. “Once operational, passengers will only need to complete one ID-checking process,” Chan explained. Noting the success of seven smart security lanes currently in use, which have reduced queue times, Chan told reporters, “During Christmas and Lunar New Year, there may be higher passenger volumes, but we do not anticipate any prolonged waiting times.”

According to media reports, presenting documents at security and boarding will no longer be necessary under a new mechanism called ‘One-ID.’

CAM projects approximately 7.4 million passengers in 2025, a slight dip from 2024, despite monthly year-on-year growth from September to November ranging from 4% to 11%.

Looking ahead to 2026, the airport will focus on expanding domestic and Southeast Asian routes as well as long-haul flights, targeting transit times within two hours for Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.

Chan made these remarks at an event celebrating EVA Air’s 30th anniversary of its Macau-Taiwan route.