Passengers transferring through Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad airports will now be required to use the DigiYatra facial recognition system for identity verification during their journey.
The initiative aims to replace multiple document checks with a single biometric identity. Under the DigiYatra framework, a traveller’s face acts as a digital token, enabling seamless movement through designated airport checkpoints without repeated boarding pass scans and manual verification.
Passengers must complete the process before arriving at the airport. This involves uploading an Aadhaar-verified selfie and boarding pass to the DigiYatra application at least 48 hours before departure. Once registered, travellers can access dedicated biometric e-gates at participating airports.
At the airport, facial recognition cameras compare a live image with an encrypted biometric template linked to the passenger’s DigiYatra profile. Successful verification allows access to international transit corridors, reducing waiting times and improving passenger flow through busy terminals.
The programme is part of India’s broader effort to create a paperless and contactless airport ecosystem. Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and Lufthansa have already begun informing passengers about the mandatory biometric process as airports prepare for the transition.
With more than 10 crore passenger journeys already recorded through DigiYatra and plans to expand the platform to 27 additional airports by 2027, biometric travel is becoming an increasingly important part of India’s aviation future. The initiative is expected to improve efficiency, reduce congestion, and modernise the overall airport experience.