Government Conducts DigiYatra Testing for International Flight Operations

NEW DELHI: The Indian government has initiated trials for a biometric facility aimed at enhancing the travel experience for international passengers. The Digi Yatra program will allow eligible Indian nationals with e-passports to utilize biometric verification at seven major airports, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. This initiative is part of a broader plan to streamline international travel, with a full rollout expected by 2027.

Eligible passengers can access the Digi Yatra facility at terminal entry points, security hold areas, and boarding gates, depending on the available infrastructure. The aviation ministry stated that feedback from these trials will guide the expansion of the program to an additional 25 airports by 2027.

To use the service, passengers must create a “verifiable credential” via the Digi Yatra mobile app. This process involves scanning the machine-readable zone of their e-passport, reading the embedded chip with a compatible smartphone, capturing a selfie, and verifying their details. The credential will be stored in the passenger’s Digi Yatra wallet and can be used at designated airport touchpoints during the trial.

The new biometric facility will complement existing travel processes. Passengers are still required to carry their travel documents and complete all necessary checks, including airline document verification and immigration procedures. IndiGo has confirmed that eligible passengers can upload their boarding passes to the Digi Yatra app, allowing them to navigate through security and boarding using biometric face authentication.

Digi Yatra Foundation CEO Suresh Khadakbhavi emphasized the importance of interoperability with global frameworks, such as IATA’s One ID and ICAO’s Public Key Directory. This approach aims to facilitate seamless international travel while prioritizing passenger consent and privacy.