Breaking Travel News reports that from November 3, 2025, Ryanair passengers will need to have their smartphones ready, as the budget airline giant scraps printed boarding passes, becoming the first primary low-cost airlines carrier to transition to an entirely digital check-in and boarding process.
Ryanair’s move signals a broader shift in the aviation industry. A new report from Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com) reveals how major global airlines are navigating the transition to paperless travel.
The exclusive report delves into the digital strategies of leading airlines, including British Airways, Emirates, easyJet, and Japan Airlines. It examines their adoption of mobile check-in, digital boarding passes, and self-service options, questioning whether these technological advancements truly enhance the passenger experience or primarily benefit the airlines themselves.
While the future of air travel is undoubtedly digital, with innovations ranging from mobile check-in to AI-powered travel assistants, APH’s research indicates that most airlines are not yet ready to follow Ryanair’s all-or-nothing approach. A hybrid model, catering to tech-savvy travellers and those who prefer a physical document, remains the prevailing strategy.
According to National World, airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Virgin Atlantic continue to offer the flexibility of online check-in alongside free printed boarding passes at the airport. Similarly, other low-cost carriers like Jet2 and easyJet encourage mobile app usage but still provide print-friendly options.
Ryanair, however, is a notable exception. It is already charging a hefty £20 for airport reprints and will soon make its app-based boarding mandatory, with very few exceptions anticipated.
The APH report also highlights that while online check-in is now a standard offering across all surveyed airlines, and self-service bag drops are increasingly common, the adoption of digital passports is lagging, largely dependent on governmental regulations rather than airline innovation.
The research further reveals that some airlines already embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) to streamline travel. According to Breaking Travel News, Qatar Airways has introduced “Sama,” a holographic AI travel assistant. Singapore Airlines now offers an AI-powered assistant on its website to help customers with booking and travel management.
Nick Caunter, Managing Director of APH.com, acknowledges the convenience of digital tools but also voices a note of caution. “Digital tools are an invaluable part of the modern air travel experience, but 100% paperless risks ‘digital exclusion’ for some,” he stated. “For those who don’t fully trust the smartphone experience and want to still travel with a paper option, this guide will help flyers choose the right airline for their needs.”
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The widespread adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the global shift towards a paperless era are poised to profoundly reshape the tourism industry across Africa. Nigeria stands at a significant technological inflection point. These transformative forces promise a future of hyper-personalised travel experiences, streamlined operations, and enhanced efficiency.
AI is emerging as a powerful tool for a continent rich in diverse cultures and natural wonders to unlock untapped tourism potential. In Nigeria, the continent’s most populous nation, the integration of AI is set to revolutionise everything from visa processing to bespoke tour packages. The recent announcement of Nigeria’s e-visa system, slated for full implementation, marks a critical step in this paperless transformation. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce bureaucratic hurdles, making the country more accessible to international visitors and boosting tourism revenue.
The impact of these technologies can be viewed through several key lenses. For one, AI-powered platforms are increasingly being leveraged to offer tailored travel recommendations to tourists. By analysing user data, preferences, and online behaviour, AI algorithms can curate unique itineraries, suggest attractions, and personalise in-country experiences. For instance, a tourist interested in Nigerian art and music could be presented with a curated tour of Lagos’s vibrant cultural scene, complete with concert tickets and gallery passes, all booked seamlessly through a single application.
This level of personalisation extends to the hospitality sector. Hotels in major African cities are beginning to adopt AI-driven solutions for managing bookings, optimising room pricing in real-time based on demand, and providing 24/7 customer service through chatbots. This enhances the guest experience and improves operational efficiency and revenue management for hospitality businesses.
The move towards a paperless era also offers significant environmental and economic benefits. Reducing paper consumption for visas, tickets, hotel bookings, and marketing materials contributes to a more sustainable tourism model. Digitising these processes also minimises the risk of loss or theft of necessary documents for travellers.
From an operational standpoint, going paperless streamlines workflows, reduces administrative costs, and minimises human error. For tour operators and travel agencies in Nigeria and across Africa, this means faster booking confirmations, more efficient client management, and the ability to focus resources on delivering high-quality travel experiences.
For more updates on airline developments in Nigeria, visit Rex Clarke Adventures – Airline News.
FAQs
1. When will Ryanair stop accepting printed boarding passes?
From November 3, 2025, Ryanair will no longer accept printed boarding passes and require passengers to use digital boarding passes on their mobile app.
2. Are other airlines also going completely paperless?
While many airlines are encouraging digital options, the APH.com report indicates that most major airlines, such as British Airways, Emirates, and even other low-cost carriers like easyJet, are currently maintaining a hybrid approach, still offering printed boarding passes at the airport.
3. What happens if I show up for a Ryanair flight without a digital boarding pass after the deadline?
While the new policy will enforce mandatory app-based boarding, Ryanair currently charges £20 to reprint a boarding pass at the airport. It is expected that after November 3, 2025, options for those without a digital pass will be minimal.
4. Why are some people concerned about airlines going 100% paperless?
The move to a fully digital system raises concerns about “digital exclusion,” potentially creating difficulties for travellers who are uncomfortable with or do not have reliable access to smartphone technology.
5. How are airlines using Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
Some airlines are beginning to use AI to enhance the passenger experience. For example, Qatar Airways has launched a holographic AI assistant named “Sama,” Singapore Airlines uses an AI-powered assistant on its website to help with travel planning and booking.
