Digi Yatra Goes Overseas, Full Rollout Eyed for 2027

India's digital airport initiative, Digi Yatra, has entered a new phase with a trial for international passengers. For the first time, eligible travellers flying abroad can test the service at select airports, as the government prepares for a wider launch next year.

In an official statement released on Sunday, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said the pilot will run from November to December 2026. The results of the trial will determine the scale and structure of the full rollout planned for 2027.

The pilot covers Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai, Chennai and Amritsar airports. Passengers can use the facility at terminal entry, the Security Hold Area and boarding gates, where the necessary digital infrastructure is available.

Initially, only Indian citizens with e-passports travelling on selected international flights operated by Air India or IndiGo will be able to participate.

To get started, passengers need to create an e-passport-based Verifiable Credential through the Digi Yatra mobile app. This requires scanning the passport's machine readable zone, reading the chip with an NFC-enabled phone, taking a selfie and completing identity verification. After successful verification, the credential is stored securely in the Digi Yatra wallet for use at supported airport points.

Authorities have emphasised that the digital service is an addition to, and not a replacement for, existing procedures. Travellers must continue to carry their travel documents, and airline checks, immigration processes and other legal requirements will continue as usual.

Digi Yatra already has more than 2.65 crore registered users. Over 11 crore journeys have been completed at 39 domestic airports. The government plans to bring 25 more domestic airports under the Digi Yatra network by 2027.

The ministry said the move aligns with the vision of 'Digital India' and 'Ease of Flying', with the objective of delivering a quicker, safer and smoother travel experience while making airport operations more efficient.