Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru extends Digi Yatra to International Departures
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has launched Digi Yatra – International Passenger Trials (DY-IPT), extending its face-enabled, contactless travel experience to eligible international passengers departing on select flights.
What the Trial Offers
The initiative aims to provide a smoother international departure experience by using:
-
Secure digital travel credentials
-
Biometric (face-based) authentication
-
Reduced repetitive identity and document checks at participating airport touchpoints
-
The program builds on the success of Digi Yatra in domestic aviation, where the platform currently serves more than 26.5 million users.
How It Works
For international passengers:
-
Identity is established through e-passport chip validation in the Digi Yatra App.
-
Passenger photo verification is completed.
-
A trusted digital travel credential is created.
-
The credential can then be used for seamless processing at participating airport touchpoints.
Scope of the Initial Trial
The first phase will cover:
-
Terminal entry
-
Security checkpoints
For selected international flights operated by:
-
IndiGo
-
Air India
-
the trial may eventually extend through the boarding process.
Important Limitations
The trial does not replace existing regulatory requirements:
-
Immigration and emigration procedures remain mandatory.
-
Passengers must continue carrying valid travel documents.
-
Airlines will continue to perform required document verification at designated counters.
Industry Collaboration
According to George Fanthome, Chief Technical Officer, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), the initiative is designed to create a more seamless, efficient, and digitally enabled travel experience while maintaining security and privacy.
-
The program has been implemented with support from:
-
Government authorities
-
Digi Yatra Foundation
-
IndiGo
-
Air India
-
SITA
Foundation for the Initiative
The international trials are based on a Proof of Concept conducted earlier in 2026 at BLR Airport in collaboration with:
-
IATA
-
IndiGo
-
SITA
-
Digi Yatra
-
The proof of concept explored contactless international passenger journeys using secure digital credentials and biometric-enabled processing.
Why It Matters
The launch of DY-IPT represents a significant step toward:
-
Faster passenger processing
-
Reduced manual document checks
-
Enhanced airport efficiency
-
Greater use of digital identity technologies in international travel
The initiative further strengthens BLR Airport's position as a technology-driven aviation hub focused on delivering future-ready airport operations and an improved passenger experience.
