CIAL becomes India’s first airport to introduce Digi Yatra for international passengers

Nedumbassery: Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has become the first airport in India to introduce Digi Yatra for international passengers. The facility was used for the first time on Tuesday by passengers travelling to the Maldives on an IndiGo flight.

The international Digi Yatra system uses e-passports and biometric facial recognition technology to verify passenger identities. It is expected to reduce the need for physical documents at various stages, including terminal entry and security checks, making the airport process more convenient for travellers.

The system is currently being rolled out on a pilot basis for select airlines operating international services.

CIAL introduced Digi Yatra for domestic passengers on August 15, 2023. Since then, the facility has gained traction, with around one in three domestic passengers at the airport now using it.

The extension to international travellers marks another step in the airport’s efforts to improve passenger convenience through technology.

The system is built on e-boarding software developed in-house by CIAL’s Technology and Innovation division, reflecting the airport operator’s focus on developing its own aviation technology solutions.

CIAL plans to offer technology services to other airports

CIAL is also looking to extend its expertise beyond its own operations by making its software and related technologies available to other airports through CIAL Aviation Consultancy and Expert Services Limited.

The consultancy initiative aims to help other airports and organisations in the aviation sector benefit from CIAL’s experience in airport development, operations and technology.

Chief Minister V D Satheesan recently inaugurated the new aviation consultancy venture.

Durgapur airport becomes CIAL’s first consultancy client

West Bengal’s Durgapur airport is the first client to use CIAL’s consultancy services. CIAL will provide its Passenger Verification System to help verify travellers’ identities at the airport.

The agreement marks the first step in CIAL’s plan to extend its in-house technology solutions to other airports.

CIAL Managing Director S. Suhas said the airport was implementing several initiatives to provide passengers with better facilities. Extending Digi Yatra to international travellers is part of that broader effort.