Passengers catching international flights from Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport are set to experience a much smoother process for terminal entry and security checks as airport authorities launch trials of the Digi Yatra facility for international departures. Under this system, eligible travelers on selected flights will be able to verify their identity using facial recognition technology, eliminating the constant need to show physical identification and travel documents at multiple checkpoints.
Launch of Trials for International Passengers
According to Bengaluru Airport, the Digi Yatra trials for international passengers, designated as DY-IPT, officially commenced on October 27. Currently, this facility has been rolled out for passengers traveling on select international flights. The initial phase of the trial incorporates terminal entry and security check points. The core objective of this initiative is to make the journeys of international passengers more seamless, contactless, and convenient. Through Digi Yatra, passenger identities will be verified utilizing secure digital credentials and biometric authentication.
E-Passport Verification and Facial Recognition Flow
Once the Digi Yatra facility is fully established for international travelers at Kempegowda International Airport, the requirement to repeatedly check IDs and documents at various zones within the terminal will be minimized. To utilize this service, international passengers must register their identity on the Digi Yatra application. The process begins with validating the chip embedded in their e-passport, followed by the completion of a photo verification procedure. Following this process, a trusted digital travel credential is generated for the passenger, enabling identification via face-enabled processing at supported touchpoints. While initially restricted to terminal entry and security checks, there is a possibility that this may be extended to boarding for select international flights.
Trials Implemented on Select IndiGo and Air India Flights
The current trial encompasses select international flights operated by IndiGo and Air India. Because the scope of the facility is currently limited, it is not guaranteed that every international passenger will immediately receive its benefits. Travelers must also note that the introduction of Digi Yatra does not eliminate the requirement for passports or other mandatory travel documents. Immigration and associated exit procedures will continue exactly as before, and passengers are required to carry all necessary travel documents with them. Furthermore, standard document verification at designated airline counters will also remain operational.
Over 2.65 Crore Users Leverage Digi Yatra
Digi Yatra has predominantly been utilized for domestic air travel thus far, currently boasting a user base exceeding 2.65 crore users. Airports have been continuously working on leveraging technology to simplify and enhance the travel experience for passengers. The expansion of Digi Yatra into international departures forms a key part of this ongoing effort. By combining secure digital identities with face-enabled processing, the initiative works toward minimizing repetitive document checks. This trial will help build a comprehensive framework that can be scaled up to meet international travel requirements in the future.
Prior Technical Proof of Concept with Stakeholders
To prepare for international passenger trials, a technical proof of concept was conducted at BLR Airport in early 2026. This exercise saw participation from IATA, IndiGo, SITA, and Digi Yatra. The testing explored the possibilities of an integrated contactless journey for international passengers utilizing secure digital credentials and biometric-enabled processing. Through the newly launched trials, this technology is now being tested on select international departures with the ultimate aim of making airport operations more efficient and providing passengers with a future-ready digital travel experience.
