Kempegowda International Airport initiated biometric trials for international flight departures under the Digi Yatra program in late 2026. The trials aim to streamline passenger processing by focusing on biometric authentication for travelers leaving on international routes from the Indian airport.
IATA Survey Shows Rising Passenger Use and Satisfaction with Biometrics
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its 2026 Global Passenger Survey (GPS) on October 28, gathering over 10,000 responses from more than 200 countries. The percentage of passengers experiencing biometric processing at airports worldwide rose from 50% in 2025 to 58% in 2026, an 8-point increase. Passenger satisfaction with biometric technology reached 87% in 2026.
The survey also found
that 78% of travelers are willing to share biometric data to bypass presenting passports and boarding passes during security screening. Additionally, 84% showed interest in using digital passports for online check-in instead of physical documents, and 82% would share digital travel identification with airlines at booking to obtain personalized services like visa information.
Biometric Trials to Expedite Passenger Processing at Kempegowda
Passengers departing internationally from Kempegowda International Airport during the Digi Yatra biometric trials can expect quicker identification and boarding processes through biometric authentication. The program supports the Indian government’s broader initiative to digitalize airport passenger handling, aiming to reduce reliance on physical passports and boarding passes during
security checks.
IATA Calls for Global Government Coordination on Digital Travel Credentials
Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security, emphasized the growing passenger demand for biometric technology. He stated, “More passengers are experiencing biometrics during their travels. They like it and want more.” Careen highlighted the necessity for governments to adopt a unified framework for issuing and accepting secure digital passports or Digital Travel Credentials to standardize biometric use for international travel.
U.S. Biometric Opt-Out Policies Highlight Traveler Rights
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits travelers at U.S. airports to decline participation in facial recognition biometric processes without penalty. TSA confirms that opting out does not delay security screening or affect a
traveler’s place in the security queue. Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) allows American citizens who refuse facial photo capture to request alternative manual processing involving travel document review by an officer.
IATA Representation and Industry Support for Biometric Travel
IATA, a global trade association representing more than 370 member airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Ryanair, United Airlines and Lufthansa, documents and supports the expanding adoption of biometric processing in air travel. The association’s GPS results reflect increasing passenger willingness to embrace biometric identification as a tool to enhance security and facilitate faster airport procedures worldwide.
