KIA  to introduce biometric contactless travel for international passengers

Bengaluru : In a major technological leap, the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is set to extend its advanced ‘Digi Yatra’ facility to international passengers, enabling a seamless, biometric-based contactless travel experience.

The initiative is being implemented through a collaboration between Bangalore International Airport Limited, IndiGo, Digi Yatra Foundation, and the International Air Transport Association. Together, they have successfully conducted a pilot project that allows passengers to complete their journey—from ticket booking to boarding—without physical documents.

This marks the first time in India that such a comprehensive biometric-based system has been tested for international travel. The move is being seen as a significant step towards implementing frictionless air travel on a global scale.

Earlier this year, IndiGo and the Digi Yatra Foundation had introduced technologies such as Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) and app-to-app integration, which enable secure sharing of passenger identity and boarding passes. With the support of BIAL, this model has now been extended to international travel, demonstrating its feasibility and effectiveness.

Under the new system, passengers’ identities are securely verified in advance. Facial recognition technology is then used at multiple checkpoints within the airport, including entry gates, security checks, and boarding points.

Instead of presenting passports or boarding passes repeatedly, travellers can simply scan their face to move through different stages of the airport process. The system integrates airline applications and airport infrastructure, ensuring that travel details and boarding passes are automatically accessible.

The SSI framework ensures that passenger data remains secure and under their control, while enabling quick verification across systems.
With international passenger traffic rising steadily, the introduction of contactless travel is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and improve efficiency at airports. It also enhances security by minimising manual checks and streamlining identity verification.

Notably, KIA has become the only airport in India to participate in this prestigious global initiative aimed at redefining air travel through advanced digital technology.

Experts believe that such innovations will not only improve passenger convenience but also position India as a leader in next-generation aviation systems.