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Digi Yatra digital travel initiative launches trials at seven Indian airports

The government has begun limited trials of Digi Yatra, a digital passenger processing system, at seven airports for Indian nationals with e-passports traveling on select international flights. The initiative aims to streamline airport procedures through facial recognition and biometric technology.

LSN India · 2 November 2026

Digi Yatra digital travel initiative launches trials at seven Indian airports

India's Digi Yatra programme entered its testing phase at seven airports, marking a significant step toward modernizing the country's air travel experience. The trial targets Indian citizens holding e-passports who are booking international flights with Air India and IndiGo, two of the nation's major carriers.

The digital initiative leverages facial recognition and biometric identification technologies to expedite passenger processing at airports. Rather than traditional document verification procedures, travelers enrolled in the system can move through checkpoints using automated verification processes, potentially reducing wait times and enhancing security protocols.

By restricting the trial to e-passport holders and specific airline partners, authorities can carefully monitor system performance and gather data on user experience before any wider rollout. This phased approach allows developers to identify technical issues and refine procedures based on real-world deployment.

The initiative reflects broader efforts across South Asia to adopt digital infrastructure for enhancing airport efficiency. As air traffic continues to grow in India, adoption of such technologies could help accommodate increased passenger volumes while maintaining security standards.

The government has not yet announced a timeline for expanding Digi Yatra beyond its current trial scope, with further developments contingent on the success of early testing phases.