India’s DigiYatra Takes First Step Toward International Travel Use
Photo Credit: The DigiYatra entry gates at Delhi Airport. DigiYatra / DigiYatra User
Skift Take
DigiYatra has managed to take away one of the biggest pain points of flying in India: long queues. And as Indians grow used to this convenience, it is well on its way to expand globally. Its biggest challenge — gaining other countries' trust.
India’s facial recognition–based airport entry system, DigiYatra, has enrolled its first international user, a step that could lead to the system being opened up to foreign visitors and eventually used for international travel.
Right now, passengers entering Indian airports must show their ID at the terminal gates, which often creates long queues. DigiYatra speeds this up by using facial recognition to verify a traveler’s identity without an ID or boarding pass. The system is currently available only for Indian citizens on domestic flights.
DigiYatra has been working on expanding to international travel since last year. According to DigiYatra Foundation CEO Suresh Khadakbhavi, the first step is enabling enrollment through electronic passports. The foundation has signed a pilot trial agreement with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which sets global passport standards.
“We have begun our journey,” Khadakbhavi told Skift. H
