Digi Yatra Launches International Trials at Seven Major Airports

Digi Yatra, an initiative by the Ministry of Civil [Aviation](/topic/aviation), has officially commenced trials for international passengers at seven major airports across India. This innovative step aims to enhance the travel experience for eligible Indian nationals holding e-passports, marking a significant advancement in the adoption of digital technology within the aviation sector. The trials, which will run from November to December 2026, are set to gather valuable passenger feedback that will inform a wider rollout planned for 2027.

The trials are being conducted at the following airports:

Eligible passengers will be able to utilize the Digi Yatra facility at terminal entry points, Security Hold Areas (SHA), and boarding gates, wherever the necessary infrastructure is available. This initiative is part of the broader vision of the Government of India to digitize and streamline air travel processes, aligning with the Digital India initiative.

• Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
• Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
• Cochin International Airport
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
• Chennai International Airport
• Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar

To access the Digi Yatra facility, eligible Indian nationals must first create an e-passport-based Verifiable Credential (VC) through the Digi Yatra mobile application. The process is straightforward:

1. Scan the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) of the e-passport.

2. Read the embedded chip using the Near Field Communication (NFC) feature of a compatible smartphone.

3. Capture a selfie for verification.

4. Verify the details and store the credential in the passenger’s Digi Yatra wallet on their device.

Once the credential is created, passengers can use it at designated airport touchpoints enabled for the trials. This digital credentialing system is designed to complement existing travel processes, ensuring that passengers continue to carry their travel documents and complete all mandatory checks, including airline document verification and immigration procedures.

Digi Yatra is not just a technological advancement; it represents a shift in how air travel is perceived and experienced in India. With over 26.5 million users and more than 110 million journeys facilitated across 39 domestic airports, the platform has already proven its effectiveness in streamlining domestic travel. The upcoming trials for international passengers are expected to further enhance this experience, making air travel more efficient and user-friendly.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has expressed its commitment to leveraging technology to improve airport operations and facilitate seamless air travel. The feedback collected during the trial period will be crucial in refining the Digi Yatra system, ensuring it meets the needs of international travelers.

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Civil Aviation plans to expand the Digi Yatra initiative to cover an additional 25 domestic airports by 2027. This expansion is part of a larger strategy to integrate digital solutions into the aviation sector, ultimately aiming to enhance passenger convenience and operational efficiency.

As the trials progress, stakeholders in the aviation industry, including airlines and airport authorities, will closely monitor passenger feedback. This data will be instrumental in shaping the final implementation of the Digi Yatra system, ensuring it is robust, secure, and user-friendly.

In conclusion, the launch of international passenger trials for Digi Yatra at seven major airports marks a significant milestone in India's aviation sector. By embracing digital technology, the government is not only enhancing the travel experience for passengers but also setting a precedent for future innovations in air travel. As the trials unfold, the aviation community eagerly anticipates the insights that will emerge, paving the way for a more connected and efficient air travel ecosystem in India.