Singapore airport to allow passport-free departure from next year

Instead, biometrics will be used for authentication at various automated steps in the departure process from baggage drop-off to immigration and boarding, Channel News Asia quoted Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo as telling parliament on Monday.

Singapore would become "one of the first few countries in the world to introduce automated, passport-free immigration clearance," she added.

Changi was named the world's best airport by aviation ranking website Skytrax last March.