What is the story about?
Imagine, while travelling abroad from the Bengaluru Airport, you don't have to pull out your passport and boarding pass again and again for security checks.
Yes, it is not just a dream now, but can soon become a reality. IndiGo, along with Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport, Digi Yatra, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), successfully conducted technical trials of a biometric-enabled journey at the Bengaluru airport. This first-of-its-kind initiative in India was part of IATA’s global campaign to conduct Proofs-of-Concept (PoCs) for International Contactless travel journeys in key markets worldwide.
Are Biometric Check-Ins Safe and Secure?
Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO of Digi Yatra Foundation, said that they have enabled a seamless, end-to-end digital journey where a passenger's identity is securely established in advance and verified across airport touchpoints using only their face.
"Digi Yatra’s privacy-first, consent-led framework ensures minimal, purpose-bound data usage. By aligning with IATA’s One ID standards, we have also demonstrated true interoperability with other global travel ecosystems, paving the way for faster, more secure, and globally trusted travel experiences at scale," he added.
How Will It Work?
This trial covered the entire journey of a passenger, from booking tickets and managing travel plans to moving across the airport. They used biometric technology for every security check-in.
Now, instead of physical documents, including passports and boarding pass, travellers can pass through the check-in by scanning their faces, with the help of biometric technology.
The technology uses what’s called a Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) framework, meaning your identity is stored securely and verified instantly across systems.
It further connects airline apps and airport systems, which will help you in accessing your boarding pass and details automatically through the app.
George Fanthome, Chief Technical Officer, Bangalore International Airport Limited, said, These new trials align with the airport’s broader vision of enabling contactless travel at scale, where passenger-controlled data, interoperability, and seamless experiences converge. “This positions BLR Airport as the only airport in India participating in this IATA-led global initiative alongside leading airports and airlines worldwide.”
