Digi Yatra to start international passenger trials at 7 Indian airports for Air India and IndiGo flyers

Digi Yatra is all set to begin international passenger trials at seven Indian airports from November 1, 2026, allowing eligible Indian nationals with e-passports to use digital identity credentials at selected airport touchpoints while travelling on international flights operated by Air India and IndiGo.

The trials will be conducted at Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Mumbai, Chennai and Amritsar airports. The programme began in October 2026 and will run through December, with a beta programme currently underway ahead of the scheduled launch.

Also read: Apple Pay is finally in India: Can you use it on your next trip abroad?


Eligible passengers will be able to use Digi Yatra at enabled touchpoints, including terminal entry, the Security Hold Area (SHA) and boarding gates, depending on infrastructure availability. The trials will cover all international destinations served by Air India and selected destinations served by IndiGo.

“Digi Yatra has demonstrated how digital identity can simplify domestic air travel. With the start of international passenger trials, we are taking an important step towards extending this experience to eligible Indian nationals travelling internationally. Interoperability with global frameworks such as IATA’s One ID and ICAO’s Public Key Directory (PKD) will be an important part of this journey, helping explore how e-passport-based digital credentials can enable more seamless and secure passenger journeys across borders, while keeping passenger consent, privacy and security central to the experience," said Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO of Digi Yatra Foundation.

How Indian passengers can use Digi Yatra internationally

Indian nationals holding e-passports can create an e-passport-based Verifiable Credential (VC) through the Digi Yatra mobile application.

Also read: Easier visas draw Indian travellers, but Japan and Europe show experiences still matter

The process requires passengers to scan the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) of their e-passport and read its embedded chip using a compatible smartphone's Near Field Communication (NFC) capability. They must then capture a selfie and verify their details.

Once created, the digital credential is stored in the passenger's Digi Yatra wallet on their device. It can then be used at participating airport touchpoints during the trials.

However, using Digi Yatra will not remove existing travel requirements. Passengers must continue to carry their travel documents and complete mandatory airline document checks, immigration procedures and other travel formalities.

Digi Yatra app gets a redesign

Alongside the international trials, Digi Yatra has introduced a redesigned mobile application with a cleaner interface, improved boarding pass displays featuring airline-mapped colours, simpler navigation and a more structured credential wallet.

The update also includes clearer indicators for guardian and minor credentials, as well as a redesigned consent screen. This is intended to help users understand what information they are sharing, with whom and for what purpose.

The international trials will test the use of e-passport-based digital credentials for eligible Indian passengers, while the app redesign aims to improve the existing user experience.