India began international passenger trials of its Digi Yatra digital identity system from November to December 2026. The trials allow eligible Indian nationals with e-passports to use digital identity verification on international flights operated by Air India and IndiGo at seven airports: Delhi (DEL), Bengaluru (BLR), Hyderabad (HYD), Cochin (COK), Mumbai (BOM), Chennai (MAA), and Amritsar (ATQ).
Technology and Registration Process
Passengers register using the Digi Yatra mobile app on NFC-enabled smartphones by scanning the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) and NFC chip of their e-passport and capturing a biometric selfie. This creates a Verifiable Credential (VC) stored in the app’s digital wallet to authenticate
identity biometrically at airport checkpoints integrated into the trial.
Passenger Requirements and Procedure
The digital identity system complements but does not replace passports, visas, boarding passes, or mandatory airline and immigration document checks. IndiGo passengers can upload boarding passes after check-in document verification to the Digi Yatra app to access Security Hold Areas and boarding gates via biometric authentication during the trials.
Official Statements and Program Goals
Digi Yatra Foundation CEO Suresh Khadakbhavi described the international trials as “an important step towards extending the same experience to eligible Indian nationals travelling abroad.” IndiGo Chief Digital and Information Officer Neetan Chopra said, “The successful implementation of the technology can improve
security, passenger convenience and operational efficiency across the airport journey.” The Ministry of Civil Aviation highlights privacy, security, and passenger consent as key priorities.
Domestic Usage and Strategic Context
By November 1, 2026, Digi Yatra had over 26.5 million users and facilitated more than 110 million domestic passenger journeys across 39 airports. The Ministry of Civil Aviation plans to expand Digi Yatra coverage to an additional 25 domestic airports by 2027. The international trials build on India’s domestic biometric-enabled airport processing and align with the government’s Digital India vision.
Interoperability and Future Expansion
The trials test interoperability with global frameworks including the International Air Transport Association (IATA) One ID
and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Public Key Directory. Passenger feedback collected during the November-December 2026 trials will inform technology, infrastructure, and passenger experience requirements for wider international rollout planned for 2027.
