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International air travel in India will become faster and more seamless with the mandatory use of DigiYatra for international transit passengers at four major airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Starting June 1, 2026, travellers passing through these airports must use the facial recognition-based biometric system. This change is part of the government's effort to create a paperless and contactless airport experience.
What is Changing for International Travellers?
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has made DigiYatra mandatory for international transit passengers at the four airports. Previously, the platform was mostly optional and used mainly by domestic passengers. Now, passengers connecting through international terminals will use biometric verification instead of going through manual document checks repeatedly. Under the DigiYatra system:
- A traveller's face serves as a digital identity token.
- Passengers can pass through designated checkpoints without having to show their boarding passes multiple times.
- Facial recognition technology confirms passenger identity at several touchpoints.
How Does DigiYatra Work?
To use the service, passengers must register before they arrive at the airport. Here are the key steps:
Step 1: Upload an Aadhaar-verified selfie on the DigiYatra app.
Step 2: Add the boarding pass details.
Step 3: Complete registration before travel.
Step 4: Use dedicated biometric e-gates at participating airports.
At the airport, facial recognition cameras match the traveller’s live image with an encrypted biometric template. This allows for smooth access through transit corridors.
Benefits for Passengers
The initiative aims to reduce congestion and improve passenger movement at some of India's busiest airports. Expected benefits include:
- Faster movement through airport checkpoints
- Reduced waiting times and queues
- Minimal document handling
- Enhanced passenger convenience
- Improved airport operational efficiency
Part of India's Digital Aviation Vision!
The mandatory rollout marks another step in India's efforts to modernise aviation. The government is increasingly using biometric technologies to simplify airport operations and enhance the travel experience. Officials believe this move will support India’s shift towards a fully digital, contactless, and passenger-friendly airport system.
