Kolkata Airport has witnessed a significant reduction in boarding times across three out of every five departing flights, thanks to the implementation of DigiYatra channels in recent weeks. This innovation, leveraging facial recognition technology, has streamlined the passenger experience by integrating seamless checkpoints from check-in to boarding.
Airport Director of Kolkata highlighted that the introduction of additional DigiYatra channels at terminal boarding gates has revolutionized the boarding process. Now, three passengers can be processed simultaneously per gate, a marked improvement from the previous single-channel setup. Currently, all 18 boarding gates are equipped with two DigiYatra channels each, with six channels operational specifically for gates frequented by IndiGo, the carrier responsible for nearly 60% of flights from Kolkata. DigiYatra operates on the principle of replacing physical documents with facial recognition, essentially making a passenger’s face their boarding pass and ID. This contactless approach not only enhances efficiency but also reduces boarding times significantly, benefiting both passengers and airport operations alike. Initially launched on March 31 at Kolkata Airport, DigiYatra was first employed at entry gates and security checkpoints before expanding to include boarding points. The uptake among passengers has been encouraging, with approximately half of all travelers opting for the paperless mode facilitated by the DigiYatra app.
Passengers have expressed satisfaction with the system, noting that it simplifies their journey through the airport by providing a dedicated queue for DigiYatra-enabled boarding passes. One frequent flyer remarked, “Ever since I started using DigiYatra for my boarding passes, navigating the airport has become much smoother.” The success of DigiYatra at Kolkata Airport underscores its potential to transform air travel by not only speeding up boarding procedures but also by enhancing overall operational efficiency. As more passengers embrace this digital transformation, airports are expected to continue investing in technologies that prioritize convenience, security, and efficiency in air travel. Looking ahead, the integration of DigiYatra into airport operations represents a significant step towards modernizing India’s aviation sector, setting a precedent for other airports to follow suit in adopting smart, digital solutions to enhance passenger experiences and streamline operations.
