India is preparing to extend its digital airport-processing system to eligible international passengers, bringing a new development to the country’s air travel experience. The initiative will allow eligible Indian travellers with electronic passports to use digital verification at selected airport checkpoints.
Digi Yatra International Trial to Cover Seven Airports
The trial is scheduled to run from 1 November to December 2026 at seven airports: Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Mumbai, Chennai and Amritsar. The programme will initially cover eligible Indian nationals travelling internationally with electronic passports on selected Air India and IndiGo flights.
How the Digital Travel Process Will Work
Eligible passengers will be able to create a digital credential through the Digi Yatra app. This involves scanning their passport details, reading the passport’s electronic chip using NFC technology and completing selfie verification.
Depending on the facilities available at each airport, the credential may be used at terminal entry, security and boarding checkpoints. Travellers must still carry their passports and other required documents and complete airline, immigration and security formalities. The digital credential will not replace these requirements.
Wider Rollout May Follow in 2027
The trial will help officials assess passenger feedback and the system’s performance before considering a wider rollout in 2027. The initiative aims to explore how digital identity verification can support international passenger processing while maintaining privacy and security safeguards.
For travellers, the trial represents a potential step towards a more convenient airport experience. However, access will initially be limited to eligible passengers, participating airlines and the airports included in the programme.
