News in short
- Digi Yatra international trials have started at seven Indian airports for eligible e-passport holders.
- The pilot runs through November and December 2026 on select Air India and IndiGo international flights.
- Passengers can use the digital credential at enabled terminal entry points, security hold areas and boarding gates.
- The trial will inform a wider international rollout planned for 2027.
- Digi Yatra will not replace passport checks, immigration or other mandatory travel formalities.
Digi Yatra has begun international passenger trials at seven airports in India. The pilot allows eligible Indian nationals with electronic passports, or e-passports, to use digital identity credentials at selected airport touchpoints. The Ministry of Civil Aviation says the trials will run from November to December 2026.
The facility is available on select international flights operated by Air India and IndiGo. It covers Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Mumbai, Chennai and Amritsar airports. However, passengers can use it only where the required infrastructure is available. The trial is intended to gather feedback before a wider rollout in 2027.
The move extends Digi Yatra beyond domestic travel. We have previously explained how to use Digi Yatra for contactless airport travel. The international pilot adds an e-passport-based digital credential for eligible travellers.
Who can use Digi Yatra for international flights?
At present, the facility is limited to Indian nationals who hold e-passports and travel on participating Air India or IndiGo international flights. It is not available to every passenger departing from the seven airports. Access also depends on whether the airport has enabled the relevant touchpoint.
Eligible passengers must create an e-passport-based Verifiable Credential (VC) in the Digi Yatra mobile app. First, they scan the passport’s Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ). Next, they read the embedded chip using Near Field Communication (NFC) on a compatible smartphone. They then capture a selfie and verify their details.
After verification, the credential is stored in the passenger’s Digi Yatra wallet on the device. Travellers can present it at enabled terminal entry points, Security Hold Areas (SHA) and boarding gates. The exact touchpoints may vary by airport and available infrastructure.
Digi Yatra will not replace immigration checks
The digital facility is designed to complement existing travel procedures, not replace them. Passengers must still carry their passports and other required documents. They must also complete airline document checks, immigration procedures and all applicable travel formalities.
That distinction matters for international journeys. Digi Yatra may simplify movement through selected airport checkpoints, but it does not provide immigration clearance or remove document requirements. Travellers should follow the instructions issued by their airline and airport.
Digi Yatra’s expansion plans
The Ministry of Civil Aviation says Digi Yatra has more than 26.5 million users. It has enabled over 110 million journeys across 39 domestic airports. The government also plans to extend the service to another 25 domestic airports by 2027.
Passenger feedback from the international trials will help shape the next phase. The ministry has positioned the initiative as part of its Digital India and Ease of Flying goals. Read the official announcement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation for the full details.
