Digi Yatra has started international passenger trials at seven major airports across India from November 1, 2026, marking an important step towards expanding facial recognition-based digital passenger processing to international air travel. The initiative aims to make airport journeys faster and more convenient through e-passport-based digital identity verification.
The trials are being conducted at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi and Amritsar airports. Initially, the facility will cover selected international flights operated by Air India and IndiGo, allowing eligible Indian passengers to experience contactless identity verification at designated airport touchpoints.
The international expansion builds on Digi Yatra’s existing presence across India’s domestic aviation network and aims to simplify passenger movement through technology-driven airport services.
What Is Digi Yatra’s International Passenger Trial?
Digi Yatra’s international passenger trial is an initiative to extend its facial recognition-based passenger verification system to international journeys.
The platform uses facial recognition technology to verify passenger identities at designated airport checkpoints, reducing the need for repeated manual document checks.
For international travel, the system introduces an e-passport-based digital credential that eligible Indian passengers can create through the Digi Yatra mobile application.
Once registered, travellers can use their digital credentials at participating airport touchpoints equipped with the required technology.
Which Seven Airports in India Are Offering Digi Yatra International Trials?
The international passenger trials are being conducted at seven major Indian airports:
- Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
- Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
- Chennai International Airport, Chennai
- Cochin International Airport, Kochi
- Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar
The initial rollout covers selected international flights operated by Air India and IndiGo. The trials are intended to assess the digital verification process at participating airport facilities.
How Does Digi Yatra Work for International Passengers?
Digi Yatra uses facial recognition technology and digital identity credentials to simplify passenger verification at airports.
For international trials, eligible Indian travellers with electronic passports must complete a registration process through the Digi Yatra mobile application.
Step-by-Step Process to Register for Digi Yatra International Travel
Step 1: Download the Digi Yatra App
Eligible travellers need to install the official Digi Yatra mobile application on their smartphones.
Step 2: Scan Your E-Passport
Passengers must scan the machine-readable zone (MRZ) of their electronic passport using the mobile application.
Step 3: Read the Embedded Passport Chip
The smartphone’s Near Field Communication (NFC) feature is used to read the electronic chip embedded in the e-passport.
Step 4: Complete Facial Verification
Travellers need to complete facial verification by capturing a selfie through the application.
Step 5: Generate Your Digital Credential
After successful verification, a digital credential is generated and stored in the passenger’s Digi Yatra wallet.
Step 6: Use Digi Yatra at Participating Airports
Passengers can use their digital credentials at designated airport touchpoints equipped with Digi Yatra technology.
Who Is Eligible for Digi Yatra International Passenger Trials?
The initial international trials are intended for eligible Indian passengers holding electronic passports (e-passports).
Travellers must complete the required registration and identity verification through the Digi Yatra mobile application before using the facility.
The initial trial coverage is limited to selected international flights operated by Air India and IndiGo at the seven participating airports.
Passengers should check the latest airline and airport instructions before travelling to confirm whether their flight supports Digi Yatra international processing.
How Will Digi Yatra Make International Airport Travel Easier?
The international expansion of Digi Yatra aims to introduce a more seamless and technology-driven airport experience for eligible passengers.
Some expected benefits include:
- Faster identity verification: Facial recognition can reduce repeated manual identity checks at participating touchpoints.
- Digital passenger credentials: Travellers can use verified digital credentials instead of repeatedly presenting physical documents at supported checkpoints.
- Contactless processing: Facial authentication can make passenger movement more convenient.
- Reduced document handling: Digital verification can simplify selected stages of the airport journey.
- Technology-driven travel: The initiative supports India’s broader efforts to modernise airport infrastructure and passenger services.
However, Digi Yatra does not replace mandatory international travel documents, immigration procedures or security checks.
Digi Yatra’s Role in India’s Digital Aviation Transformation
Digi Yatra is part of India’s broader effort to modernise airport operations through digital identity verification and facial recognition technology.
Its expansion into international passenger processing represents another development in the country’s digital aviation infrastructure.
By introducing e-passport-based credentials and facial verification at participating airports, the initiative aims to improve passenger convenience while supporting more efficient airport operations.
The international trials could also provide insights into how digital identity systems can be integrated into different stages of international air travel.
