With reference to Digi Yatra, consider the following statements: 1. The trials are currently active at twenty airports for international passengers. 2. The initiative is launched by the Civil Aviation Ministry. 3. The technology utilizes facial recognition to facilitate contactless movement. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Digi Yatra trials for international passengers start at seven airports using facial recognition

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· IT, AI, semiconductors & computing· Prelims· 2 November 2026

Facial recognition and biometric data privacy: a relevant GS3 Science & Technology and Ethics case study.

Why in news

The Civil Aviation Ministry launched Digi Yatra trials for international passengers at seven airports to gather feedback for a 2027 rollout.

Background

The trial involves Indian nationals with e-passports on select Air India and IndiGo flights. The technology utilizes facial recognition to facilitate contactless movement across airport checkpoints and terminal entry points.

Facts for Prelims

BodyDigi Yatra is an initiative by the Civil Aviation Ministry
S&TDigi Yatra uses facial recognition technology for contactless movement
FactTrials are currently active at seven airports for international passengers
FactThe trial targets Indian nationals holding e-passports

Prelims practice question

With reference to Digi Yatra, consider the following statements:

The trials are currently active at twenty airports for international passengers.
The initiative is launched by the Civil Aviation Ministry.
The technology utilizes facial recognition to facilitate contactless movement.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)2 only
(b)3 only
(c)1 and 2 only
(d)2 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (d) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The trials are active at seven airports.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the potential of facial recognition technology in enhancing passenger experience while addressing concerns regarding data privacy and surveillance in aviation.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Privacy-Security Trade-off: Balancing seamless passenger flow with the protection of biometric data against unauthorized access
Infrastructure Gap: Requirement for high-speed connectivity and robust facial recognition hardware across all regional airports

Keywords: Facial Recognition · Biometric Data · Contactless Movement · Data Privacy · Digital Infrastructure

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