Flying abroad from Bengaluru Airport could soon become a little easier. Kempegowda International Airport has announced trials of Digi Yatra for international flights, which are scheduled to begin on November 1, 2026. The facility will allow eligible passengers to use facial recognition at participating airport checkpoints.
The idea is to reduce the number of times travellers need to show their documents while moving through the airport. The trials will initially cover selected international flights operated by Air India and IndiGo. Passengers will still need their passports and must complete the usual immigration checks.
New International Digi Yatra Facility at Bengaluru Airport
Many domestic travellers in India are already familiar with Digi Yatra. The system uses facial recognition to verify passengers at participating airport checkpoints, reducing the need to repeatedly present identity documents. According to Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates Kempegowda International Airport, Digi Yatra has more than 26.5 million users.
Bengaluru Airport is now taking the system a step further by extending trials to international departures. The new programme, called Digi Yatra International Passenger Trials (DY-IPT), uses e-passport chip validation followed by photo verification to establish a traveller’s identity.
Once passengers complete the verification process, they can use facial recognition at participating checkpoints, reducing repeated document checks.
How to Use Digi Yatra for International Flights at Bengaluru Airport
If you are travelling on an eligible international flight, you can prepare your digital travel credential using the Digi Yatra app before heading to the airport. Here’s how the process works:
- Open the Digi Yatra app: Download the app or update it to the latest version available for your phone.
- Scan your e-passport: Use the app to scan the machine-readable zone (MRZ) of your passport.
- Read the passport chip: Turn on your phone’s Near Field Communication (NFC) feature and follow the instructions to read the electronic chip in your passport.
- Take a selfie: Complete the photo verification process to confirm your identity.
- Create your digital credential: The app will create an e-passport-based Verifiable Credential (VC) and store it in your Digi Yatra wallet.
- Use Digi Yatra at the airport: Follow the signs and use facial recognition at enabled checkpoints, subject to trial availability and airport infrastructure.
Once you complete these steps, you may not need to show your identity documents repeatedly at participating checkpoints where the facility is enabled.
However, you must still carry your passport and complete the usual airline and immigration procedures.
Will Digi Yatra Replace Passport and Immigration Checks?
No. Even with Digi Yatra, international passengers must carry their passports, visas and any other documents required for their journey. Airlines will continue checking travel documents, and immigration officers will follow the regular verification process.
Digi Yatra is intended to simplify identity verification at participating airport checkpoints. For example, eligible travellers may be able to enter the terminal using facial recognition instead of repeatedly presenting documents at enabled entry checkpoints.
This does not mean passengers can skip immigration or other mandatory airport checks.
How Will International Digi Yatra Benefit Passengers?
International travel involves several document checks, from entering the airport to reaching the boarding gate. Bengaluru Airport is preparing to trial Digi Yatra to make some of these steps easier. With facial recognition, passengers may not need to show their passports and boarding passes as often at participating checkpoints.
Here’s how the new facility could help travellers:
- Passengers may have fewer document checks at certain points in the airport.
- Facial recognition could simplify terminal entry.
- Travellers will be able to use their digital credentials at enabled checkpoints during the trial.
- The new system could help reduce waiting times at participating airport entry points, although the actual impact remains to be assessed.
- Passengers may not need to take out their passports and boarding passes for every identity check at enabled touchpoints.
The trial will assess how well the system works for international passengers. The results will help assess whether the system saves time and improves the passenger experience.
Bengaluru Airport’s Digi Yatra trials could be a welcome change for travellers, especially those who want to reduce repeated document checks. If the trials go well, the findings could inform a wider rollout in 2027.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Digi Yatra available for international flights at Bengaluru Airport?
Bengaluru Airport has announced international Digi Yatra trials for selected flights operated by Air India and IndiGo, with the programme scheduled to go live on November 1, 2026. Eligibility depends on the airline, route and participating airport touchpoints.
Can I use Digi Yatra for international flights without an e-passport?
No. The international trial is intended for eligible Indian nationals holding valid e-passports with electronic chips.
Which terminal offers international Digi Yatra at Bengaluru Airport?
The official trial announcement does not specify Terminal 2 as the exclusive terminal for international Digi Yatra. Check the airport’s instructions for the participating touchpoints before travelling.
Is Digi Yatra mandatory for international passengers?
No. Using Digi Yatra is optional. Passengers who do not use the facility can continue with the regular airport procedures.
Will Digi Yatra replace immigration checks?
No. Passengers must still carry their passports and complete all required immigration and airline document checks.
When will Digi Yatra be available for more international flights?
The international passenger trials are scheduled to go live on November 1, 2026, and are expected to continue through December 2026. Feedback from the trials could inform a wider rollout in 2027. A confirmed date for a wider rollout has not been announced.
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