Kempegowda International Airport in India will initiate Digi Yatra biometric trials for international travelers starting in November 2026. The program aims to streamline passenger processing using biometric verification technologies specifically for international flights.
Global Trends in Biometric Acceptance
The launch reflects a broader increase in biometric travel adoption worldwide, according to the 2026 International Air Transport Association (IATA) Global Passenger Survey released on October 28, 2026. This survey compiled responses from over 10,000 travelers across more than 200 countries. Biometric processing participation at airports rose to 58% in 2026, up from 50% in 2025. Satisfaction with biometric experiences reached 87% among respondents. Additionally, 78% of
passengers expressed willingness to share biometric data to avoid presenting passports and boarding passes during security checks, while 84% showed interest in using digital passports for online check-in.
IATA Leadership Comments on Biometric Growth
Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security, said the increase in biometric use is driven by passenger demand. “More passengers are experiencing biometrics during their travels. They like it and want more,” Careen said. He added that the adoption of biometrics leads to smoother passenger journeys and more efficient security processing for governments and airlines. Careen stressed the need for governments to establish a unified framework for issuing
and accepting secure digital passports—referred to as Digital Travel Credentials—to make biometric travel the norm globally.
U.S. Biometric Opt-Out Policies
In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits travelers to decline participation in facial recognition technology without experiencing longer security screening times or losing their place in security queues. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency offers alternative manual processing for citizens who refuse facial photo capture. This alternative involves a CBP officer verifying travel documents manually, ensuring that refusal of biometric processing does not result in delays.
Passenger Impact at Kempegowda International Airport
International passengers at Kempegowda International Airport can expect faster and more streamlined processing
with Digi Yatra biometric trials starting November 2026. The trials will apply to biometric authentication during international departures but details about the specific biometric technologies used or the trial’s operational metrics have not been disclosed. The initiative aligns with global trends showing strong passenger acceptance of biometric travel technologies and aims to simplify verification processes for international travelers at the airport.
