Flying abroad from Chennai Airport? You may now have an easier way to pass through certain airport checkpoints. Chennai International Airport has started testing Digi Yatra for international flights, allowing eligible Indian citizens with e-passports to use facial recognition at certain airport checkpoints where the facility is enabled.

So, who can use this new facility, and how does it work? Here’s what international travelers should know.

Chennai Airport Starts Digi Yatra Trial for International Passengers

Digi Yatra is a digital travel system that uses facial recognition to verify a passenger’s identity at airport checkpoints. Many domestic travelers in India are already familiar with this service. Now, the system is being tested for international travel.

At Chennai Airport, eligible passengers can use facial recognition at supported terminal entry points, security hold areas, and boarding gates. This means they may be able to use facial recognition at enabled checkpoints instead of repeatedly presenting their documents. However, airline document checks and immigration procedures still apply. The trial began on November 1 and will run until December 31, 2026. Feedback from the trial will help inform plans for a wider rollout in 2027.

Which International Flights Support Digi Yatra at Chennai Airport?

For now, Chennai Airport’s international Digi Yatra trial covers two international IndiGo flights.

Passengers on these flights can use Digi Yatra if they meet the eligibility requirements and have completed app registration. Airport sources say more airlines and international routes will be added in phases. If you’re flying on another route, check with your airline or airport staff to see if Digi Yatra is available for your flight.

Which Indian Airports Are Testing Digi Yatra for International Flights?

Chennai is not the only airport participating in the international Digi Yatra trial. The trial is also taking place at six other airports in India. Here are the seven participating airports:

• Chennai International Airport
• Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
• Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
• Cochin International Airport, Kochi
• Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar

Keep in mind that Digi Yatra is only available for selected international flights at these airports. It is not yet available to all international passengers.

Who Can Use Digi Yatra for International Flights?

If you’re planning to use Digi Yatra for an international flight, you’ll need a valid, chip-enabled Indian e-passport. You’ll also need the Digi Yatra app and a compatible smartphone with Near Field Communication (NFC). This feature allows your phone to read the electronic chip embedded in your passport.

Right now, only Indian citizens with e-passports can use this service for international flights. If you have a non-chip Indian passport or a foreign passport, you’ll have to follow the normal airport process. Participation in the trial is voluntary. If you don’t want to use it, you can follow the usual airport procedures.

How to Register for Digi Yatra Using an Indian E-Passport

If you have a valid, chip-enabled Indian e-passport, here’s how you can set up Digi Yatra for your international flight.

1. Open the Digi Yatra app: Check that you have the latest version on your phone.
2. Scan your passport: Open the app and scan the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ), the two or three lines of letters, numbers, and symbols at the bottom of your passport’s personal details page.
3. Scan the chip: Switch on NFC on your phone and hold it near your passport to read the information stored in its embedded electronic chip.
4. Take a selfie: Follow the instructions in the app to capture a selfie for identity verification.
5. Create your credential: After verifying your details, the app will create an e-passport-based Verifiable Credential (VC) and store it in your Digi Yatra wallet.
6. Use it at the airport: When you arrive for an eligible flight, use facial recognition at the enabled airport checkpoints.

Having trouble setting it up? You can ask the airport’s Digi Buddies for help. They’ll guide you through the process.

How Will Digi Yatra Help International Travelers?

If you’ve flown abroad before, you know how often you need to show your passport and boarding pass at the airport. Digi Yatra aims to make some of these checks easier. Instead of repeatedly presenting your documents at every enabled checkpoint, you can use facial recognition where Digi Yatra is available.

This could make entering the airport and boarding your flight more convenient. But remember, Digi Yatra does not replace mandatory airline document verification, immigration procedures, or other applicable travel formalities. You still need to carry your passport, visa, and other required travel documents.

Since the service is still being tested, it’s best to reach the airport early and leave enough time for all the usual checks.

Digi Yatra trials for international flights began at Chennai Airport on November 1, 2026. For now, only eligible Indian citizens with chip-enabled e-passports travelling on selected international flights can use it. More international routes are expected to be added in phases.

If you’re flying abroad soon, check your passport, visa, and flight details before heading to the airport.

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Note: Digi Yatra is still in the trial stage for international flights. The list of eligible flights and airports may change as the service expands.

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