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India to scrap printed boarding passes at international airports from September

Indian airports will discontinue stamping of paper boarding passes for international travellers from September 1, shifting to digital verification through smartphone-based e-boarding passes. The move aims to streamline immigration clearance processes at the nation's international terminals.

LSN India · 22 August 2026

India to scrap printed boarding passes at international airports from September

India's aviation authorities will phase out the stamping of physical boarding passes for passengers departing on international flights, effective September 1. The transition marks a significant shift toward digital infrastructure at the country's international airports.

Under the new system, travellers will be required to present e-boarding passes displayed on their mobile devices to immigration officials during clearance procedures. This digital approach eliminates the need for printed documentation and associated stamp verification, accelerating the departure process for outbound passengers.

The initiative aligns with India's broader digitalization efforts across civil aviation infrastructure. By leveraging smartphone technology, airports aim to reduce paper consumption while enhancing operational efficiency during peak travel periods.

Travellers departing from Indian international airports will need to ensure their mobile devices are adequately charged and their e-boarding passes are readily accessible. The changeover applies to all international departures, though officials have not yet detailed any transition provisions for passengers unfamiliar with digital systems.