Seven major Indian airports will begin Digi Yatra biometric travel trials for international flights starting in November 2026. These trials will utilize biometric identity validation technology aimed at streamlining boarding and immigration processes for passengers.
Data from the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 2026 Global Passenger Survey (GPS) supports the growing adoption of biometrics in air travel. The survey, conducted among more than 10,000 respondents across over 200 countries and released on October 28, 2026, found that 58% of passengers had experienced biometric technology at airports, an increase from 50% the previous year. Passenger satisfaction with biometric processes reached 87%.
Additionally, 78% said they would share biometric data to avoid presenting passports and boarding passes during security screening, while 84% expressed interest in using digital passports for online check-in. Furthermore, 82% indicated a willingness to share digital travel identification with airlines after payment to receive personalized services such as visa information.
In the United States, travelers maintain the right to opt out of biometric processing. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows passengers to decline facial comparison technology without causing delays or changes to their security line positions. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also permits citizens who refuse facial photo
capture to request alternative processing, likely involving manual document checks by officials.
Nick Careen, Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety and Security at IATA, emphasized the benefits of biometric technology for passengers and governments. He highlighted the increasing passenger usage and preference for biometrics and stressed the need for government consensus to implement secure digital travel credentials. Careen said, “More passengers are experiencing biometrics during their travels. They like it and want more.” He added, “To make biometrics the norm for international travel, governments must agree [on] a framework for issuing and accepting secure digital passports — or Digital Travel
Credentials.”
The introduction of Digi Yatra biometric trials at Indian airports aligns with a global trend of expanding biometric travel processing. Passengers at these airports will potentially experience quicker boarding and immigration by using biometric validation, reducing the need for physical passport and boarding pass presentations. The growing acceptance of biometric technologies among travelers supports ongoing efforts by airlines and governments to facilitate digital travel credentials worldwide.
