Cochin International Airport (CIAL) has become the first airport in India to facilitate international passenger processing through the DigiYatra platform, marking a significant development in the country's digital aviation services.

The new facility was introduced on October 27, with the first international passenger using DigiYatra while travelling to the Maldives on an IndiGo flight. The initiative is being tested with selected airlines and uses electronic passports (e-passports) and biometric facial recognition technology to verify passenger identities at designated airport checkpoints.

Under the new system, eligible passengers can use their digital identity credentials at supported airport touchpoints, reducing the need to repeatedly present physical documents during certain stages of airport processing.

E-passports and facial recognition to simplify travel

Unlike the domestic DigiYatra system, the international facility uses the electronic chip embedded in eligible Indian passports to establish a passenger's digital identity. Facial recognition technology is then used to verify the traveller at designated checkpoints.

The facility is intended to make airport procedures more convenient by reducing document-handling requirements and improving passenger movement through supported areas.

However, the digital facility does not replace mandatory immigration procedures, airline document verification or the requirement to carry a valid passport and other necessary travel documents.

One in three domestic passengers already uses DigiYatra at Kochi

CIAL introduced DigiYatra for domestic passengers on August 15, 2023. Since its introduction, the technology has gained considerable acceptance among travellers, with approximately one in every three domestic passengers using the facility at the airport.

The system is powered by in-house e-boarding software developed by CIAL's Technology and Innovation team. Building on this technological experience, the airport operator is also looking to extend its expertise to other airports through its Aviation Consultancy and Expert Services (ACES) initiative.

Durgapur Airport has become the first client for this consultancy service, under which CIAL will provide a passenger verification system developed in-house.

International DigiYatra trials to expand across seven airports

The international passenger trial programme is also being extended to seven major Indian airports, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai, Chennai and Amritsar, from November 1, 2026.

Initially, the facility will be available to eligible Indian nationals holding e-passports and travelling on selected international flights operated by Air India and IndiGo. The trial is scheduled to continue through December, with passenger feedback expected to help shape a wider rollout planned for 2027.

A boost to international tourism connectivity for Kerala

Kochi International Airport serves as an important gateway for international visitors travelling to Kerala, including tourists heading to popular destinations such as Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom and Alleppey.

The introduction of digital identity-based passenger processing is another step towards improving the airport experience for international travellers. For tourists arriving in Kerala, smoother airport procedures and technology-enabled services can contribute to a more convenient start to their holiday.

With Kochi continuing to play a major role in Kerala's international tourism connectivity, developments in airport infrastructure and passenger services are expected to support the state's growing travel and tourism sector.