International air travel from India is entering a new digital phase as Digi Yatra has started trials for international passengers at seven major airports across the country. The initiative aims to make airport entry, security checks and boarding more convenient through digital identity verification and facial recognition technology.
The trials began in November and will continue until December 2026, with feedback expected to help prepare for a wider rollout in 2027.
Seven Airports Included in the Trial
The international Digi Yatra trial is being conducted at the following airports:
- Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
- Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
- Cochin International Airport, Kochi
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
- Chennai International Airport, Chennai
- Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar
Eligible Indian passengers can use the facility at designated terminal entry points, security areas and boarding gates wherever the required infrastructure is available.
Who Can Use International Digi Yatra?
The facility is currently available to eligible Indian nationals holding electronic passports (e-passports). Passengers must create a digital travel credential through the Digi Yatra mobile application.
The process involves scanning passport information, reading the electronic chip using a compatible smartphone and completing facial verification.
Once verified, the digital credential is stored securely in the passenger’s Digi Yatra wallet for use at participating airport touchpoints.
Air India and IndiGo Flights Included
The initial trials cover selected international flights operated by Air India and IndiGo.
The technology is designed to reduce repeated identity checks and improve passenger movement through participating airport facilities.
However, Digi Yatra does not replace mandatory immigration procedures, airline document verification or other international travel requirements. Passengers must continue carrying their passports and other necessary travel documents.
Wider Expansion Planned for 2027
Digi Yatra already has more than 26.5 million users and has facilitated over 110 million journeys across 39 domestic airports.
Another 25 domestic airports are also planned to join the network by 2027.
If the international trials prove successful, the initiative could make airport journeys more convenient for eligible Indian travellers and strengthen India’s digital aviation infrastructure.
