India’s Aviation Sector Advances with DigiYatra Launch at Kolkata Airport

Key Takeaways

• On July 17, 2025, Kolkata Airport launched DigiYatra for domestic-to-domestic transfer passengers.
• The system uses facial recognition to speed up processing for 3,500-4,000 daily transfer passengers.
• DigiYatra aims to enhance security, reduce paperwork, and improve airport efficiency nationwide.

On July 17, 2025, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata marked a major milestone for India’s aviation sector by launching the DigiYatra facility for domestic-to-domestic transfer passengers. This move aims to make air travel smoother, faster, and safer for thousands of travelers passing through one of the country’s busiest airports.

The new DigiYatra system, located near Arrival Baggage Belt No. 1, uses facial recognition technology to help passengers connect between domestic flights without the usual paperwork and long lines. The launch event saw passengers inaugurate the facility alongside Dr. P. R. Beuria, Airport Director of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and other senior officials. This step is part of a larger national effort to bring digital solutions to Indian airports, making travel more convenient for everyone.

How DigiYatra Works for Domestic-to-Domestic Transfer Passengers

DigiYatra is a digital platform that uses facial recognition to verify passengers’ identities. Instead of showing a boarding pass and ID at every checkpoint, travelers who register on the DigiYatra app can simply walk through special gates that scan their face. If the system matches their face with the information on file, they can move ahead without stopping for manual checks.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how the process works for domestic-to-domestic transfer passengers at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport:

1. Registration: Download the DigiYatra app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Register using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and upload your boarding pass.
2. Biometric Enrollment: Use the app to complete your facial biometric registration.
3. At the Airport: When you arrive for your connecting domestic flight, head to the DigiYatra-enabled gates near Arrival Baggage Belt No. 1.
4. Verification: Stand in front of the biometric gate. The system scans your face and, if everything matches, lets you through without needing to show any documents.
5. Assistance: If you’re new to DigiYatra, airport staff are available to help you register and use the system.

This process is designed to be quick and easy, especially for the 3,500 to 4,000 domestic-to-domestic transfer passengers who use Kolkata airport each day. Many of these travelers are connecting between the Northeast and other Indian cities, making the new system a welcome change.

Why DigiYatra Matters: Key Benefits and Features

The launch of DigiYatra at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport brings several important benefits for travelers, airlines, and airport staff:

• Contactless, Paperless Travel: Passengers no longer need to handle physical boarding passes or IDs at multiple points. Everything is managed digitally, reducing the risk of lost documents and making the journey smoother.
• Faster Processing: By cutting down on manual checks and long lines, DigiYatra helps passengers move through the airport more quickly. This is especially helpful for those with tight connections.
• Enhanced Security: The system uses advanced biometric checks, which not only speed up the process but also make it harder for unauthorized people to get through.
• Increased Adoption: Before this launch, about 7,000 passengers (28% of daily departures) at Kolkata airport were already using DigiYatra. The new facility is expected to boost these numbers, especially among transit passengers.
• Support for Growth: India’s aviation sector is growing rapidly, and DigiYatra helps airports handle more passengers without needing to build new terminals or expand existing ones.

Dr. P. R. Beuria, Airport Director at AAI, highlighted these points during the launch, saying the new facility will help ease congestion, speed up security checks, and show Kolkata Airport’s commitment to using technology for better service.

A National Push for Digital Aviation

DigiYatra is not just a local project. It’s part of a larger plan by the Government of India and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to bring digital solutions to airports across the country. The goal is to make air travel easier, safer, and more efficient for everyone.

The rollout of DigiYatra began on December 1, 2022, at Delhi (T3), Bengaluru, and Varanasi airports. Kolkata joined the second phase on March 31, 2023, for general domestic passengers. Since then, the system has expanded to other major airports, including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Guwahati. Now, with the dedicated domestic-to-domestic transfer facility in Kolkata, even more passengers can benefit from this technology.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, over 1.74 million people registered for DigiYatra within six months of its initial launch. As more airports come online and more travelers get used to the system, these numbers are expected to keep rising.

What Passengers Need to Know: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re planning to use DigiYatra at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, here’s what you need to do:

• Download the App: Get the DigiYatra app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Register: Sign up with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and upload your boarding pass.
• Complete Biometric Enrollment: Follow the app’s instructions to register your face.
• At the Airport: Go to the DigiYatra gates near Arrival Baggage Belt No. 1 for domestic-to-domestic transfers.
• Scan and Go: Let the system scan your face. If it matches, you’re good to go.
• Ask for Help: If you have trouble, look for DigiYatra support staff or visit the help desk near the transfer area.

This process is designed to be simple and user-friendly, even for people who aren’t tech-savvy. The airport has made sure that help is always available for those who need it.

Impact on Different Groups

The launch of DigiYatra at Kolkata’s airport affects several groups in positive ways:

• Passengers: The biggest winners are travelers, who get a faster, less stressful experience. No more fumbling for documents or waiting in long lines.
• Airlines: With passengers moving through the airport more quickly, airlines can keep flights on schedule and reduce delays.
• Airport Authorities: The system helps staff manage crowds, improve security, and use resources more efficiently.
• Government: DigiYatra supports the vision of a “Digital India,” showing the country’s leadership in using technology for public services.

Official Statements and Stakeholder Views

Dr. P. R. Beuria, Airport Director at AAI, said, “This new facility will help us manage growing passenger numbers, reduce congestion, and make the airport experience better for everyone. We’re proud to be at the forefront of digital innovation in Indian aviation.”

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has also stressed that DigiYatra is a key part of its plan to digitize airport processes, improve security, and lower costs for both airports and airlines.

Background: How DigiYatra Has Grown

DigiYatra’s journey began in December 2022, when it was first launched at three major airports. The system quickly gained popularity, with over 1.74 million users signing up in just six months. As more airports joined the program, the benefits became clear: shorter lines, faster processing, and happier passengers.

By 2025, DigiYatra had expanded to most of India’s major airports, with Kolkata’s dedicated domestic-to-domestic transfer facility being the latest addition. This steady growth shows the strong demand for digital solutions in India’s booming aviation sector.

Policy Implications and the Bigger Picture

India’s aviation sector is growing at record speed, with more people flying than ever before. This puts pressure on airports to handle more passengers without building new terminals or runways. DigiYatra helps solve this problem by making existing infrastructure work better.

• Operational Efficiency: Airports can process more passengers in less time, reducing the need for costly expansions.
• Passenger Experience: Travelers enjoy a smoother, less stressful journey, especially those with tight connections.
• Security: Biometric checks make it harder for unauthorized people to get through, improving safety for everyone.
• Compliance: The system meets global standards for airport security, helping India stay in line with international best practices.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for DigiYatra

The DigiYatra Foundation is already planning the next steps. In June 2025, they will launch an international pilot project, working with the Bureau of Immigration and visa agencies to bring biometric boarding to international flights. This could make travel even easier for people flying in and out of India.

More Indian airports are also set to adopt DigiYatra, with ongoing upgrades to digital infrastructure and services. Feedback from passengers and airport staff will help shape future improvements, making the system even more user-friendly.

Multiple Perspectives: How Different Groups Benefit

• Passengers: Enjoy faster, contactless transfers and less waiting.
• Airlines: Benefit from improved on-time performance and smoother boarding.
• Airport Authorities: Get better control over passenger flow and security.
• Government: Moves closer to its goal of a fully digital, modern aviation sector.

Practical Tips for Travelers

If you’re flying through Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and have a domestic connection, here are some tips to make the most of DigiYatra:

• Register in Advance: Download the app and complete your registration before you travel.
• Keep Your Phone Charged: You’ll need your phone to access the app and show your boarding pass if needed.
• Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to approach DigiYatra staff if you have questions or run into problems.
• Stay Updated: Check the DigiYatra Foundation website for the latest news and updates.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

• DigiYatra Foundation: digiyatrafoundation.com – for official updates and FAQs.
• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport: Managed by the Airports Authority of India, with on-site help desks and DigiYatra support staff near the D2D transfer area.
• DigiYatra App: Available on both major app stores.

For more information on airport security and passenger guidelines, travelers can also visit the Airports Authority of India’s official website.

Summary of Key Data (as of July 18, 2025)

• Launch Date: July 17, 2025 (D2D transfer facility)
• Daily D2D Transfer Passengers Benefiting: 3,500–4,000
• Current DigiYatra Usage at Kolkata: About 7,000 daily (28% of departures), with numbers expected to rise
• National User Base: Over 1.74 million (late 2023), with steady growth
• Next Steps: International pilot in June 2025, further expansion to more airports

Conclusion: A New Era for Indian Aviation

The launch of DigiYatra at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport marks a big step forward for India’s aviation sector. By making travel faster, safer, and more convenient, the system benefits everyone involved—passengers, airlines, airport staff, and the government. As DigiYatra continues to grow and improve, it promises to make air travel in India smoother and more enjoyable for all.

Travelers are encouraged to register for DigiYatra, take advantage of the new facility, and stay informed about future updates. With digital solutions like this, India is setting new standards for smart, efficient, and passenger-friendly airports.

For the latest information, always check the official DigiYatra Foundation website and the Airports Authority of India.

Learn Today

DigiYatra → A digital platform using facial recognition to streamline airport boarding and security processes.
Domestic-to-Domestic Transfer → Passengers connecting between two domestic flights within the same airport.
Biometric Enrollment → The process of registering biometric data, such as facial features, for identity verification.
Aadhaar → India’s national identification system linking mobile numbers for secure passenger registration.
Airports Authority of India (AAI) → Government agency managing airports and implementing aviation technology like DigiYatra.

This Article in a Nutshell

Kolkata Airport’s new DigiYatra facility simplifies domestic transfers using facial recognition. This innovation speeds travel for thousands daily, reducing queues and enhancing security. With over 7,000 current users, the system supports India’s growing aviation needs by streamlining processes and promising future international pilot projects.
— By VisaVerge.com