Ditching repeated passport checks for facial recognition, Kempegowda International Airport is extending its face-enabled, contactless Digi Yatra system to international departures.
The launch of the Digi Yatra, International Passenger Trials allows eligible international passengers on select flights to experience seamless biometric verification. The platform, which currently serves over 26.5 million domestic users, uses secure digital credentials and facial recognition to establish identity, drastically cutting down on redundant document checks across terminal touchpoints.
To participate, passengers must first validate their identity using the e-passport chip through the Digi Yatra App and complete a photo verification check. Once verified, a privacy-preserving digital travel credential is issued to facilitate movement through participating touchpoints.
The initial trial run focuses on terminal entry and security gates, with plans to potentially expand verification up to the boarding phase for select IndiGo and Air India international flights. However, airport authorities emphasized that Digi Yatra does not bypass statutory requirements: standard immigration and emigration procedures remain separate, and travelers must still carry all mandatory physical travel documents for airline counter verification.
George Fanthome, Chief Technical Officer at Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), noted that technology plays a crucial role in modernising the passenger experience. “Extending Digi Yatra to international departures is another step towards creating a more seamless, efficient and digitally enabled travel experience,” Fanthome stated, attributing the launch to a collaborative effort involving government authorities, Digi Yatra, SITA, and airline partners IndiGo and Air India.
This rollout follows a technical Proof of Concept conducted earlier in 2026 at BLR Airport alongside IATA, SITA, and key industry partners. The successful trial strengthens Kempegowda International Airport’s commitment to implementing cutting-edge global aviation technologies for future-ready, efficient operations.
