- International Digi Yatra trials launched at seven major Indian airports.
- Facial recognition technology enables seamless, paperless airport experience.
- Eligible e-passport holders can use facility on select flights.
Digi Yatra Trial: The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Sunday said the trial for Digi Yatra has commenced for international passengers at seven airports across India, marking a further step in the adoption of digital technology in the country’s aviation sector. Feedback received during the trial period will inform the planning of a wider rollout in 2027.
Announcing the trial, the ministry stated that it remains committed to leveraging technology to improve airport operations and facilitate seamless air travel, in line with the government’s vision of Digital India and Ease of Flying.
The trials, scheduled to run from November to December 2026, will allow eligible Indian nationals holding e-passports to use the Digi Yatra at designated airport touchpoints while travelling on select international flights operated by Air India and IndiGo.
Trial Begins In These Cities
The trials are being conducted at Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Mumbai, Chennai and Amritsar airports.
Your guide to using Digi Yatra for international travel! ✈️ Wondering how to use the Digi Yatra App for your international journey? This explainer video takes you through the process, step by step. The facility is currently being trialled on select routes in collaboration with Air India and IndiGo. @rammnk @mohol_murlidhar @samirsinha69 @pkthakurdc @DigiYatraOffice @pib_moca #DigiYatra #MinistryOfCivilAviation #InternationalTravel
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) November 1, 2026
What Is Digi Yatra?
Digi Yatra is an industry-led initiative powered by facial recognition technology to make terminal entry and security clearance seamless, hassle-free, and paperless. Developed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DigiYatra Foundation, it is the next step towards creating a digitally empowered, contactless travel experience.
What Are The Key Benefits?
The DigiYatra facility offers a fast-track process through airport terminal entry and security checkpoints using dedicated DigiYatra e-gates instead of standing in standard physical lines. It also eliminates the need to carry physical printouts of boarding passes or multiple ID proofs at every single touchpoint.
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Eligible passengers will be able to use the facility at terminal entry points, Security Hold Areas (SHA) and boarding gates, wherever the required infrastructure is available. However, the facility is intended to complement, and not replace, existing travel processes. Passengers must continue to carry their travel documents and complete all mandatory airline document checks, immigration procedures and other applicable travel formalities.
How To Use The Facility
To access the facility, eligible Indian nationals must create an e-passport-based Verifiable Credential (VC) through the Digi Yatra mobile application. The process involves scanning the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) of the e-passport, reading the embedded chip using the Near Field Communication (NFC) feature of a compatible smartphone, capturing a selfie and verifying the details. The credential is stored in the passenger’s Digi Yatra wallet on the device and can be used at airport touchpoints enabled for the trials.
The Digi Yatra’s adoption continues to expand across India’s aviation network. The platform has over 26.5 million users and has enabled more than 110 million journeys across 39 domestic airports, serving domestic airlines. A further 25 domestic airports are planned to be covered by 2027.