How is India setting global standards for biometric contactless air travel? – Industry news

– By Siddharth Sharma

Indian aviation the sector is witnessing a remarkable transformation driven by digitization and the need for improved passenger experiences. As the nation prepares to handle 1 billion trips annually, the need to implement technologies that can handle this growth while ensuring safety and comfort is now greater than ever.

Just a decade ago, travelers taking a two-hour domestic flight were required to arrive at airport two or three hours before the hour. This meant encountering long queues for boarding passes, ID checks, luggage depositand security clearance – every step drains the excitement of the trip before it even begins. However, digital advances such as facial authentication technology and decentralized digital credentials have revolutionized airport operations, enabling travelers to move seamlessly from entry checks to boarding in minutes. Passengers can now conveniently create their verified credentials from home, share their travel details with their home airport and arrive fully prepared for their trip. This seamless process allows fast passage through security and boarding gates, minimizing the need for physical documents and reducing congestion.

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As airports increasingly embrace digital innovation, India is now positioning itself to lead the world with its vision of a fully biometric and contactless system airport experience.

Increasing use of biometrics

Digital identity adoption and biometric validation in India has experienced rapid growth. 24 airports now use this technology, covering almost 90% of the country’s air travel volume. This advancement increases efficiency and reduces stress for passengers, allowing them to go from check-in to boarding in just minutes. Globally, countries such as the US, Australia, UK and China have already adopted contactless biometric solutions at airports, improving the passenger experience. The younger generation (under 25s) in particular are increasingly turning to digital solutions, with 48% preferring biometric solutions to traditional passports and boarding passes, highlighting a shift towards more convenient and secure travel options .

India’s role in setting standards

India is not just a participant in this global trend; actively sets standards for the future air travel. The Indian government and aviation authorities are keen to develop a robust framework for biometric systems that aligns with global practices. One such effort is IATA’s One ID initiative, which aims to provide passengers with a seamless travel experience by reducing hassles and delays while ensuring security through biometrics and digital identity.

With the upcoming implementation of facial authentication technology for international air travel scheduled for a pilot project in June 2025, India is poised to lead the charge. The project will start between two countries and could pave the way for wider implementation. Stakeholders work closely with the MEA, visa issuing agencies and the Bureau of Immigration to ensure seamless integration of facial validation in global travel protocols. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce waiting times for international flights, improving the overall travel experience.

Conclusion

As India steps into the future of air travel, the seamless digital travel experience powered by verified credentials and biometrics marks a significant leap forward. With its ambitious plans to further deploy advanced technologies such as digital identities, verified credentials and contactless biometric solutions and its commitment to digitization, India is not only improving its aviation landscape but also setting global standards for seamless air travel . Transforming Indian airports into technology-driven hubs will redefine the travel experience, paving the way for a new era of efficiency, security and convenience. With these innovations, travelers can look forward to a future where the journey begins the moment they step into the airport.

(Siddharth Sharma is Head of IT Operations at Digi Yatra Foundation.)

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