UK airports are increasingly grappling with a decline in passenger trust amid growing concerns about personal data security, according to new research. The Getronics 2025 Travel Trust Barometer reveals that nearly six in ten UK travellers are worried about the safety of their personal information when flying. Despite this, the findings present clear opportunities for airport authorities to enhance trust, particularly around biometric and mobile-based travel systems.
The report, based on a nationally representative survey of 2,000 UK air travellers, highlights a cautious public mood amid rising digital awareness and recent high-profile cyber-attacks targeting UK institutions.
Andrew Madigan, Client Director at Getronics, commented: “Travellers are telling us they want convenience, but not at the expense of control. While concerns remain, there is a definite pathway for airports to build transparent, reliable, and consent-based systems that reassure passengers.”
When asked whether they agreed with the statement “I am concerned about the security of my personal data when travelling,” 59% of respondents answered affirmatively, with only 20% disagreeing. The remaining 21% were unsure, suggesting that effective communication and privacy-first design could positively shift perceptions.
The survey also identified which types of personal data travellers are most concerned about. Forty per cent flagged credit card details, followed by 30% citing passport information, and 14% mentioning contact details.
Madigan added: “Not surprisingly, financial data is viewed as particularly high risk by passengers. This is an issue affecting all sectors of the aviation industry, not just airports. It’s a reminder that seamless passenger experiences must be supported by robust cyber security measures.”
Despite these concerns, the research offers some optimism regarding the acceptance of new travel technologies. While only 23% strongly agreed they would be comfortable storing passport information or biometric identifiers, such as fingerprints or facial scans, on their smartphones to speed up travel, a further 43% were open to the idea.
Moreover, 76% of travellers expressed comfort with facial recognition being utilised as the primary method of verifying personal security information.
Rob Nidschelm, Global Head of Operational Security at Getronics, noted: “The good news for airports is that this isn’t a rejection of technology. Passengers are willing to embrace more advanced solutions in exchange for a better travel experience. However, our threat intelligence continually shows an increase in targeted attacks on aviation, especially on passenger data systems, biometric platforms, and third-party integrations vital to airport operations.”
He continued: “This isn’t hypothetical; we’ve seen ransomware groups and state-sponsored actors probing airport defenses across Europe. With the shift towards a digital, paperless travel experience, the sensitivity and value of data rise, making cybersecurity an operational priority rather than just a compliance checkbox. Trust in digital travel ultimately depends on the security behind it.”
The survey also found that digital boarding passes are rapidly gaining popularity, with 29% of respondents preferring them, compared to 28% who favour printed versions. An additional 17% reported having no preference.
Madigan concluded: “This indicates a shift in traveller behaviour, but systems must remain inclusive. Trust depends on giving travellers options, rather than forcing them into unfamiliar or intimidating digital methods too quickly.”
Getronics has extensive experience in developing resilient IT security systems to protect critical operations and works with numerous UK and international airports to enhance their security infrastructure.
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