Digi Yatra trials for international flyers begin at 7 airports; rollout set for 2027

IndiGo and Digi Yatra have initiated trials of facial authentication technology for international passengers traveling on select flights from seven Indian airports. This biometric system, initially tested in a beta phase since late October, is set to continue until December 2026. The program, which leverages Digi Yatra's digital identity platform, aims to streamline airport processing for eligible Indian travelers when flying to India on IndiGo.

However, the facility is currently exclusive to participating Indian airports and does not cover departure procedures at UAE airports.

To take part in this trial, Indian nationals must possess a valid e-passport and have registered a digital ID through the Digi Yatra app, utilizing their e-passport's Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) or NFC technology. The registration process involves scanning the passport, reading the chip, completing biometric verification, and saving a secure Verifiable Credential (VC) in the smartphone wallet.

Once registered, passengers can utilize facial authentication at designated airport checkpoints, including terminal entry, security hold areas, and boarding gates.

During the trial, passengers can access the digital ID and uploaded boarding pass for airport terminal entry. However, they must still undergo mandatory passport verification at the airline check-in counter before proceeding through facial authentication at enabled security hold areas and boarding gates. Digi Yatra emphasizes that the digital credential remains stored locally on the passenger's smartphone, preserving privacy and security.

IndiGo and Digi Yatra aim to enhance security, convenience, and operational efficiency in Indian aviation through this digital transformation.