The aim of this paper is to explore the potential of intelligent passenger boarding systems for airports. To investigate the implications of smart systems implementation, specifically in the context of internal business processes and organizational unit optimization, discrete simulation modeling was performed. The simulation model of the passenger boarding process at Split Airport was developed integrating two different variants: i) validated as-is process simulation and ii) to-be process simulation of the process supported by intelligent passenger boarding technology. Special attention was given to model validation. Significant degree of optimization was achieved in the intelligent passenger boarding simulation experiment, thus supporting future decisions regarding self boarding solutions This research demonstrates the potential of discrete simulation for exploring benefits of using smart technologies in airport operations as a part of ongoing smart transport and smart mobility initiatives and solutions.