India has begun international passenger trials of Digi Yatra’s biometric digital identity system at seven airports from November to December 2026. The Ministry of Civil Aviation, overseeing the program, has involved Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Mumbai, Chennai, and Amritsar airports, with Air India and IndiGo participating as the operating airlines.
Eligibility and Digital Credential Creation Process
Eligible Indian nationals travelling on selected international Air India and IndiGo flights can join the trial by registering via the Digi Yatra mobile application using smartphones equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC). Passengers with valid e-passports create a Verifiable Credential by scanning the Machine Readable Zone and electronic chip of
their passports and submitting a biometric selfie. This credential is stored in the Digi Yatra wallet on the smartphone for use at supported airport touchpoints.
Trial Period, Feedback, and Planned Expansion
The Ministry of Civil Aviation will collect passenger feedback during the two-month trial to evaluate technology performance and passenger experience. Analysis of the results will inform the wider international rollout planned for 2027. Alongside international plans, Digi Yatra will also expand its digital identity services to 25 additional domestic airports by that year.
Operational Use and Continued Document Requirements
IndiGo passengers can upload boarding passes via the Digi Yatra app after completing airline check-in verification. This allows the use of biometric
facial recognition for faster processing at security checkpoints and boarding gates at participating airports. Despite digital enrollment, passengers are still required to carry physical passports, boarding passes, and comply with airline and immigration procedures.
Interoperability and Official Perspectives
The international Digi Yatra system operates in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, conventional travel documentation. It is designed to be interoperable with international aviation digital identity frameworks, including the International Air Transport Association’s One ID and the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Public Key Directory. Digi Yatra Foundation CEO Suresh Khadakbhavi described the trials as a key step toward extending digital identity benefits to Indian
nationals travelling internationally. IndiGo’s Chief Digital and Information Officer Neetan Chopra emphasized the role of technology in enhancing seamless and efficient air travel.
Digi Yatra Domestic Performance and Digital India Alignment
Domestically, Digi Yatra supports over 26.5 million users and has facilitated more than 110 million passenger journeys at 39 airports. Its success provides the foundation for moving into the international arena. The initiative aligns with India’s Digital India vision to streamline airport processes and improve the ease of flying by leveraging biometric and digital identity technology.
