Kempegowda International Airport in India will start Digi Yatra biometric trials for international departure passengers in late 2026. The initiative aims to introduce biometric processing systems that enable streamlined and efficient passenger handling at the airport.
Global Passenger Survey Shows Rising Biometric Use and Satisfaction
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its 2026 Global Passenger Survey (GPS) on October 28, 2026, which collected over 10,000 responses from travelers across more than 200 countries. The survey found an increase in passengers experiencing biometric processing during their travels, rising from 50% in 2025 to 58% in 2026. Additionally, 87% of passengers expressed satisfaction with their biometric experiences during airport journeys
in 2026, while 78% were willing to share biometric data to bypass the need to present passports and boarding passes at security checkpoints.
The survey also reported that 84% of respondents showed interest in using digital passports for online check-in as a substitute for physical passports. About 82% of travelers indicated willingness to share digital travel identification with airlines after payment to access personalized services, including visa advice.
IATA Highlights Governments’ Role in Digital Passport Framework
IATA, a trade association of over 370 airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Ryanair, United Airlines, and Lufthansa, emphasized the importance of coordinated government efforts to support biometric travel technologies. Nick
Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety and Security, stated that biometric adoption is growing among passengers who favor the technology. Careen said, “More passengers are experiencing biometrics during their travels. They like it and want more.” He added, “That’s good news because the benefits are substantial — smoother journeys for passengers and more efficient, secure processes for governments and airlines.” Careen noted that establishing a global framework for digital passports, termed Digital Travel Credentials, is essential to make biometrics a standard in international travel.
U.S. Policies Allow Opt-Out and Alternative Processing Options
In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits travelers to opt out
of facial comparison biometric technology without facing extended wait times or altered screening line placement. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency also allows American citizens to request alternative processing if they decline facial photo capture during customs inspections, which usually entails manual verification of travel documents.
Digi Yatra Trials Part of Wider Move Toward Digital Travel Credentials
The Digi Yatra biometric trial at Kempegowda International Airport aligns with a global trend toward integrating digital passports and biometric systems in airport security and processing. The initiative reflects efforts to enhance passenger experience while maintaining efficient and secure airport operations. Successful implementation depends on international cooperation to agree on standards for
issuing and recognizing secure digital travel credentials across borders.
