The Indian government is moving to extend its rapid biometric boarding system, DigiYatra, to international flights, with live passenger trials slated for October or November at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Sources told Times Now that the full system is targeted for a March 2027 launch, contingent on clearing rigorous security certifications. This marks a significant leap from the domestic-only model currently operating at major Indian airports.
Unlike the domestic system, which relies on Aadhaar cards or driver’s licenses, the international version will be powered by the chip in electronic passports (e-passports). The DigiYatra Foundation has a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to leverage this data. An official familiar with the matter confirmed that initial trials will strictly use e-passports, while discussions with the Ministry of External Affairs are ongoing regarding the potential future inclusion of paper passports.
Air India and IndiGo are the primary participants in this initial phase, with their international departures selected for the pilot. The infrastructure at Bengaluru’s departure and security gates is already configured for DigiYatra, allowing for a faster integration process. While talks are continuing with other carriers, these two airlines will bear the brunt of the initial operational testing. The Bureau of Immigration has not yet given final approval, which remains a critical bottleneck before the first international passenger can board.
The expansion isn’t limited to Bengaluru. The DigiYatra Foundation is in active talks with other airport operators to replicate the trial setup at at least one major hub per operator. Once the Bengaluru pilot proves the system’s stability, the rollout will scale rapidly. However, a mandatory security audit by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) must precede any widespread adoption.
For travelers, the shift promises a frictionless experience, eliminating the need to present physical documents at multiple checkpoints. The timeline is tight but ambitious: software integration is currently being finalized, and any delays in the October-November window would push the March 2027 target further out. The government is monitoring the audit process closely to ensure the system meets global aviation security standards before going live.