Digi Yatra trial has begun for international passengers at seven Indian airports. The initiative adds an international dimension to India’s digital aviation services.
Quick answer: The Digi Yatra trial runs from November to December 2026 at seven Indian airports. Eligible Indian e-passport holders on select Air India and IndiGo international flights can use enabled airport touchpoints. However, they must still carry travel documents and complete immigration and airline checks.
What is the Digi Yatra trial?
The trial lets eligible Indian citizens use Digi Yatra at enabled touchpoints when taking selected international flights. It covers e-passport holders travelling with Air India or IndiGo, rather than all international passengers.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation intends the facility to support existing travel procedures. Moreover, trial feedback will inform plans for a broader expansion in 2027.
Which airports and touchpoints are covered?
The trial covers seven airports, including Amritsar in Punjab. The following facts distinguish the international trial from the existing domestic network.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Trial airports | Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Mumbai, Chennai and Amritsar |
| Trial flights | Select international flights of Air India and IndiGo |
| Touchpoints | Terminal entry, security hold areas and boarding gates, wherever infrastructure is available |
| Domestic network | 39 airports; 25 more planned by 2027 |
Touchpoint availability depends on the necessary infrastructure. Therefore, inclusion of an airport does not mean every touchpoint there is enabled.
How does e-passport verification work?
Passengers create e-passport-based verifiable credentials through the Digi Yatra mobile application. First, they scan the passport’s machine-readable zone (MRZ).
Next, they use a compatible smartphone’s near-field communication (NFC) feature to read the passport chip. They also take a selfie and verify their details.
The credentials are stored in the Digi Yatra wallet on the passenger’s device. They can then be used at touchpoints enabled for the trial.
Why does the trial matter?
The trial tests digital assistance for international travel while retaining existing checks. For example, passengers must still carry documents and complete airline verification and immigration formalities.
Digi Yatra has more than 26.5 million users and has facilitated over 110 million domestic journeys. For another transport-focused digital service, see the Rajmargyatra application overview.
Source: Press Information Bureau, 1 November 2026
- Rajmargyatra Application: Features and UPSC Analysis (28 Oct 2026)
Amritsar is one of the seven trial airports, making the announcement relevant to Punjab PCS geography and current affairs. State PCS questions may also test eligibility and the distinction between digital facilitation and immigration clearance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which airports are included in the international Digi Yatra trial?
Seven airports are included: Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Mumbai, Chennai and Amritsar. However, use depends on infrastructure being available at the relevant touchpoint.
Who can use the international trial?
Eligible Indian e-passport holders on select Air India and IndiGo international flights can use it. They must also complete e-passport verification through the app.
Does Digi Yatra replace immigration checks?
No, it does not replace immigration checks. Passengers must also carry travel documents and complete airline checks.
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